Confine

/kənˈfaɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The limits or boundaries of a space or area.

The confine of the park was marked with a fence.

verb

To keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits.

The teacher decided to confine the students to their classroom during the fire drill.

To limit the area of activity or influence.

The project was confined to just one city due to budget constraints.

To imprison or restrict someone physically.

The prisoner was confined to a small cell for 23 hours a day.

Late Middle English: from Old French 'confiner' or from Latin 'confingere', from 'con-' (together) + 'fingere' (to shape).

confine oneself to

to restrict oneself to a particular activity or subject.

confined spaces

areas that are not designed for continuous occupancy and have limited entry or exit.

confinement

the state of being limited or restricted.

confined

restricted within limits.

to be locked down or restricted.

He's been confined to his room for a week.

to keep a situation under control.

We need to confine the chaos before it escalates.