confined

adjective

con·​fined kən-ˈfīnd How to pronounce confined (audio)
1
: kept within confines: such as
a
: limited to a particular location
confined to bed
b
: held captive
confined prisoners
2
: very small
confined spaces
a confined compartment
3
dated : undergoing childbirth
In Scotland, the Countess of Athole, who was lying-in at Edinburgh Castle near the similarly confined Mary, Queen of Scots, is reported to have cast her own birth pangs onto a waiting-woman in the queen's chamber.Michael Olmert

Examples of confined in a Sentence

She gets uncomfortable in confined spaces. confined citizens have basic rights under that nation's constitution
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Hydrothermal explosions occur when hot water in a volcano system turns into steam in a confined area, Morgan wrote. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024 One of Calhoun's first classified meetings involves something — or someone — locked away in a confined holding cell. Nick Romano, EW.com, 18 July 2024 Having a pair of .50 caliber guns at your command doesn’t leave the gunner assigned to this position any less confined or exposed. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2024 She's even become so accustomed to the city that her favorite method of transportation is the subway, even though many celebrities of her stature wouldn't want to trap themselves in a confined, often crowded space. Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for confined 

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of confine entry 2

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of confined was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near confined

Cite this Entry

“Confined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confined. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

confined

adjective
con·​fined kən-ˈfīnd How to pronounce confined (audio)
: undergoing childbirth

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