Confine

Definition

Confine refers to the act of restricting someone or something within boundaries, limiting movement, activity, or space. It can also mean imprisoning or restricting someone to a specific area.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (to restrict or limit)
• Noun (boundary or limit, usually used in the plural form "confines")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /kənˈfaɪn/
• Respelling: kuhn-FINE

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb): /kənˈfaɪn/
• Respelling: kuhn-FINE

Etymology

The word "confine" comes from the Latin word "confinare," meaning "to border on" or "to limit." "Confinare" is formed from "com-" (together) and "finis" (boundary). It entered English in the late 14th century, initially referring to the borders or limits of an area, and later evolved to include the sense of restricting or imprisoning.

Derivatives

• Confinement (noun)
• Confined (adjective)
• Unconfined (adjective)
• Confining (adjective/verb)
• Reconfine (verb)

Synonyms

• Restrict
• Imprison
• Limit

Antonyms

• Free
• Liberate
• Release

Usage

The verb "confine" is often used in contexts where someone or something is restricted to a particular area or within certain limits. For example, "The patient was confined to bed rest," or "He was confined to a small room for hours." It can also refer to the act of limiting activities or possibilities, such as "Her creativity is confined by strict rules."

Related Terms

• Restriction: The act of limiting or controlling something.
• Imprisonment: The act of confining someone to a jail or prison.
• Boundary: A line that marks the limits of an area.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To restrict or limit something or someone: Refers to preventing someone or something from moving beyond certain limits.
  • Example: "The floodwaters confined the residents to their homes."
• To imprison or hold someone in a certain place: Refers to physically restricting someone within a location.
  • Example: "The prisoner was confined to a solitary cell."

Noun (usually plural, confines)

• Boundaries or limits: Refers to the borders or edges of an area.
  • Example: "The soldiers were stationed within the confines of the base."