Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

confined

American  
[kuhn-fahynd] / kənˈfaɪnd /

adjective

  1. limited or restricted.

  2. unable to leave a place because of illness, imprisonment, etc.

  3. being in childbirth; being in parturition.


confined British  
/ kənˈfaɪnd, kənˈfaɪnɪdlɪ /

adjective

  1. enclosed or restricted; limited

  2. in childbed; undergoing childbirth

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of confined

confine + -ed 2

Explanation

The adjective confined describes a space that is cramped or small and constricted. You probably don't see any claustrophobic vampires because if they were claustrophobic, they'd have a fear of confined spaces — like their coffins. The adjective confined describes being in captivity or not free to move about. If you do charity work, you could read books to older people confined to their homes. You could move your confined arms better if you just took off a few layers of clothes; you really don't need three sweaters, a vest, and a coat in 40 degree weather — even if you are from Arizona.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing confined

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Confined within it, they moved with sudden gestural quirks to a minimal score by Donovan Dorrance, the choreographer’s brother.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

Confined within them are elements, such as uranium, that decay in a clockwork fashion, allowing scientists to use them to track age.

From Scientific American • Sep. 30, 2022

Confined spaces — a bag, cabinet or refrigerator drawer — are somewhat different, as they can trap ethylene and hasten ripening or sprouting.

From Washington Post • May 31, 2022

Confined to the house, they poured their hearts into the album, documenting what they thought was the end of their personal and professional relationship.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2021

Confined to his bed since a terrible carriage accident the week before, Seward drifted in and out of consciousness.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson