Definition of confine
1 confines plural a : something (as borders or walls) that encloses outside the confines of the office or hospital — W. A. Nolen; also : something that restrains escape from the confines of soot and clutter — E. S. Muskieb : scope 3 work within the confines of a small group — Frank Newman
2a archaic : restrictionb obsolete : prison
Origin and Etymology of confine
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French confines, plural, from Latin confine border, from neuter of confinis adjacent, from com- + finis end
First Known Use: 15th century
Definition of confine
confined
;confining
archaic
confiner
nounExamples of confine in a sentence
will confine my remarks to the subject we came here to discuss
the accused was confined until the trial could take place
Origin and Etymology of confine
see 1confine
First Known Use: 1523
Synonym Discussion of confine
CONFINE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of confine for English Language Learners
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: to keep (someone or something) within limits : to prevent (someone or something) from going beyond a particular limit, area, etc.
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: to keep (a person or animal) in a place (such as a prison)
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: to force or cause (someone) to stay in something (such as a bed or wheelchair)
CONFINE Defined for Kids
Word Root of confine
The Latin word finis, meaning “end” or “boundary,” gives us the root fin. Words from the Latin finis have something to do with ends or limits. Something final, such as the last chapter in a book, is the ending one. To confine is to put limits or boundaries around something. To finish something is to come to its end. Something finite has limits and happens only for a certain amount of time or in a certain space before it ends.
Medical Dictionary
confine
playMedical Definition of confine
confined
;confining
: to keep from leaving accustomed quarters (as one's room or bed) under pressure of infirmity, childbirth, or detention
Law Dictionary
confine
Legal Definition of confine
confined
confining
: to hold within a location; specifically : imprison
Learn More about confine
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for confine Spanish Central: Translation of confine Nglish: Translation of confine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of confine for Arabic speakers
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