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

See Examples For:

solitary confinement

Both he and Brock reported extended solitary confinement stints—four months for Mock, seven for Brock.

From Slate ● May 28, 2026

Lindsay spent an initial 57 days of detention in solitary confinement in the city of Kerman.

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 was kept in solitary confinement at his own request to avoid harassment, prosecutors said.

From Barron's ● Feb. 8, 2026

He noted that a number of the accused had been held in solitary confinement for unconscionable lengths of time.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela