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

Example Sentences

Now that he was out of solitary confinement, Havens’ interest in gang politics had disappeared.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

Lindsay and Craig say that conditions in Evin prison are better than solitary confinement, but are still tough.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Seven years later, Gonzales was transferred to Pelican Bay State Prison’s Security Housing Unit, then the most restrictive facility in California, where he was held in solitary confinement for about 25 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Lai’s lawyers say he has several chronic health conditions and suffers from being in solitary confinement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

For six months, Karl, Rudi, and Helmuth were held in solitary confinement.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti