Confined
/kənˈfaɪnd/
adjectiveverbB2past tense, past participle
Definition
Confined means being kept inside a small or limited space, or having limits on what you can do or where you can go. It often refers to physical spaces, like a room or area, but can also mean limits on actions or freedom.
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⚡ See It in Action
Limited to a small space or area physically
- •The prisoners were confined to their cells.
- •The cat was confined in the carrier during the trip.
- •Due to illness, she was confined to bed for a week.
Restricted in action or freedom (not moving or acting freely)
- •His activities were confined by strict rules.
- •The meeting was confined to an hour.
- •The discussion was confined to the main topic only.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "confined" like "stuck," but more formal and about being inside clear limits or borders
- ✓Picture a small box or cage where someone or something cannot move freely
- ✓It feels like when you are in a small room and cannot leave or move much — a bit uncomfortable or restricted
- ✓Sounds like "con-FIND" → imagine trying to find a way out but the space is small and closed
- ✓Think of a pet in a small cage or a patient in a hospital bed who cannot walk around freely
- ✓NOT like "free" (you can move anywhere), "confined" means limited space or limits on freedom
- ✓NOT like "trapped" (usually sudden and dangerous), "confined" can be planned or controlled limits
- ✓NOT like "closed" (just shut), "confined" means limited space or options inside something closed
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Restricted: limited in space, action, or freedom (Use when focusing on limits or rules rather than physical space)
- •Limited: small in amount or size (Use when emphasizing small size or number rather than physical enclosure)
- •Imprisoned: kept in prison or locked up (Use only when talking about being kept in jail or very strict captivity)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "con-" (with, together) + root "fine" (from Latin "finis," meaning limit or end) → meaning "within limits"
- •Etymology: From Latin "confinare," meaning to border on or limit
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe physical borders or limits, later extended to mean limiting people or actions
- •Modern usage: Used to describe physical limits (small spaces) or limits on actions, time, or freedom
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How does being confined affect a person's feelings and actions in different situations?
•Can being confined sometimes be helpful or necessary? When might limits protect us?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The patient was confined to bed because of ___ illness that prevented movement.
2.When animals are confined in small spaces, they often feel ___ and unhappy.
3.Unlike being free to explore, confined spaces ___ movement and choices.
4.The discussion was confined ___ the main topic to keep the meeting short.
5.She was confined ___ her room during quarantine to avoid spreading the virus.
6.Confined areas usually have clear ___ or borders that stop people from leaving.
7.When rules confined his actions, he had to ___ new ways to reach his goals.