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Confine - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Confine means to restrict or limit someone or something within certain boundaries, whether physical (like a room) or abstract (like rules). It implies a lack of freedom to move or act beyond set limits.

confine

/kənˈfaɪn/ /kənˈfaɪn/

Definition:

To restrict or keep within limits; enclose or imprison.

Synonyms:

restrict, limit, enclose, imprison, bound

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

free, release

Common Collocations:

confine to a room, confine within limits, strictly confine

Derivatives:

confined, confinement, confining

Usage Tips:

Use "confine" to describe physical or abstract restrictions, like space or rules. Avoid overuse in casual contexts.

Common Phrases:

beyond the confines of, within the confines of, break free from confines

Etymology:

From Latin "confinare," meaning "to border on," from "com-" (together) + "finis" (boundary).

Examples:

  • 1. The doctor advised her to confine herself to bed rest for a week.
  • 2. Please confine your comments to the topic being discussed.
  • 3. The zoo confines animals in spacious enclosures for their safety.
  • 4. His anger was hard to confine during the argument.

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