Confinement Meaning and Definition
Confinement
Pronunciation
/ˈkɒnfɪn.mənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state of being restricted or limited in time, space, or freedom, often used to describe a period of isolation or contained environment.
Examples
- New mothers often experience confinement after giving birth.
- The prisoner was placed in solitary confinement for six months.
Synonyms
- Imprisonment
- Isolation
- Reclusiveness
Antonyms
- Freedom
- Liberality
- Openness
Additional Information
In most cultures, confinement is a universal human experience, often associated with childbirth, illness, or imprisonment. In Chinese culture, confinement is seen as a critical period after childbirth, where new mothers are isolated to facilitate recovery and bonding with their baby.
Confinement can take many forms, from physical isolation to emotional or mental constraints. Understanding the concept of confinement is essential in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and medicine.
Etymology
The word “confinement” comes from the Latin “confinare,” meaning “to limit” or “to bound.”
Usage Notes
In formal writing, it’s essential to use the correct terminology when describing confinement, especially in the context of law or medicine.
Cultural References
In the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, confinement refers to the forced isolation of women in a dystopian society.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“In confinement” is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of isolation or restriction.
Related Words or Phrases
Bondage, imprisonment, isolation, seclusion, solitude
Collocations
confinement center, confinement period, confinement prison, solitary confinement, social confinement
Frequency of Use
The frequency of using the word “confinement” has remained relatively steady over the past few decades, with a slight increase in recent years due to its growing importance in various fields.
Common Misspellings
confine, confinement, confection, confine