confinement

noun

con·​fine·​ment kən-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce confinement (audio)
Synonyms of confinementnext
1
: an act of confining : the state of being confined
solitary confinement
2
: lying-in

Synonyms of confinement

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Examples of confinement in a Sentence

The dog was kept in confinement until it was determined to be healthy. He remained with his wife during her confinement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Judge Kimberly Gallant said he must be fitted with an ankle monitor before his release and will then spend his time in home confinement. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Type One Energy’s approach is built around stellarator confinement. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 But the years of confinement began to take their toll physically. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 After being released from prison into in-home confinement in December, Shah has officially completed her federal sentence. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confinement

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, from confiner "to confine entry 2" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of confinement was in 1592

Phrases Containing confinement

Rhymes for confinement

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Browse Nearby Words

confineless
confinement
confinement system
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Cite this Entry

“Confinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confinement. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

confinement

noun
con·​fine·​ment kən-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce confinement (audio)
: an act of confining : the state of being confined
especially : lying-in

Legal Definition

confinement

noun
con·​fine·​ment
1
: the act of confining
2
: the state of being confined

More from Merriam-Webster on confinement

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about confinement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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