confinement

Everyday

1. Confinement is being kept in a small space or not being allowed to leave: "the animals were in confinement". tree →
2. Solitary confinement is keeping a prisoner alone in a cell. tree →
3. (old-fashioned, euphemism) Confinement was a polite word for the time a woman gives birth and rests in bed. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a character's confinement in a tower or prison shows they are trapped. In science and farming, animal welfare lessons discuss confining animals in small cages. In older books, "her confinement" means giving birth (a euphemism). Phrases: in confinement, solitary confinement, confinement to bed.

Examples

• The prisoner spent years in confinement. tree →
• The princess hated her confinement in the tower. tree →
• After the operation, he faced a week's confinement to bed. tree →
• Chickens kept in close confinement cannot move freely. tree →
• Solitary confinement is a harsh punishment. tree →
• In the old story, the lady's confinement ended with a baby boy. tree →
• I think he found his confinement wearisome, so that I was a welcome guest. tree →

Note

Verb: confine (to keep inside limits). Mostly uncountable. Formal word; everyday: "being locked up", "being stuck". The meaning "giving birth" is old-fashioned.