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

At times she was able to meet other NLD officials and selected diplomats, but during the early years she was often in solitary confinement.

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

Yoon has been held in solitary confinement while fighting multiple criminal trials.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Prison officials moved her to solitary confinement and treated her like a psychiatric patient while they decided what to do with her next.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling