solitary confinement

American  

[sol-i-ter-ee kuhn-fahyn-muhnt] / ˈsɒl ɪˌtɛr i kənˈfaɪn mənt /

noun

1. the confinement of a prisoner in a cell or other place in which they are completely isolated from others.

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solitary confinement British  

noun

1. isolation imposed on a prisoner, as by confinement in a special cell

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Etymology

Origin of solitary confinement

First recorded in 1775–85

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

solitary confinement

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement following allegations in an NBC News report of his lavish federal prison lifestyle.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

Having been arrested in Hungary in 2019, he was extradited to Portugal and has at various points been in solitary confinement, under house arrest and in witness protection.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

Mr. Lai remains in solitary confinement and ill health, with only 45 minutes a day for exercise outside his cell.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026

But crucially, the text does not specify what will become of Ocalan, 77, who has spent the past 27 years being held in solitary confinement on Imrali prison island near Istanbul.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

Nothing tested my inner equilibrium as much as the time that Winnie was in solitary confinement.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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