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.

---

solitary confinement British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of solitary confinement

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

solitary confinement

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

Prison staff reportedly separated the two men and Combs was placed in solitary confinement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

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

From Slate ● May 28, 2026

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

From BBC ● May 1, 2026

The takeover of Attica by inmates allowed the country to learn about cruel practices within prisons such as solitary confinement, where inmates are isolated in a small confined space for weeks or months.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson