Word
confinement
Phoneticscon·fine·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈfaɪnmənt/
UK/kənfˈaɪnmənt/
Definitions
01restriction or imprisonment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of being kept in a place you cannot leave, like a prison or a small room.
n. the act of keeping someone or something within a restricted space or the state of being so restricted.
“The prisoner was kept in solitary confinement for several weeks.”
“After months of confinement in the cramped cabin, the explorers were desperate to reach the shore and stretch their legs.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'solitary confinement' to describe being kept alone in a cell.
Synonyms
02childbirth
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Archaic · Formal
n. an old word for the time when a woman stays in bed to give birth to a baby.
n. the period during which a woman is restricted to her bed or home for the purpose of giving birth.
“In the 1800s, women often stayed in their rooms for weeks during their confinement.”
“The queen's confinement was expected to begin in early spring, with the royal physicians remaining on constant standby.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; modern speakers use 'maternity leave' or 'labour' instead.
Synonyms
03lockdown or isolation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. being forced to stay at home or in one place because of a rule or a disease.
n. the restriction of movement or social interaction, typically imposed as a public health or security measure.
“The city entered a period of confinement to stop the spread of the virus.”
“The sudden confinement of the population led to a significant increase in the use of digital communication tools for remote work.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“He noted that she'd already spent 15 months in solitary confinement at the time of her sentencing.” “The fire declared in Almonacid de la Sierra in Zaragoza, which initially forced the confinement and then preventive evacuation of Alpartir, is evolving favourably.” Etymology
Borrowed from French confinement. By surface analysis, confine + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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