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.
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.