rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryconfineKeeping within limits
verb / noun

confine

kun-FYNE/kənˈfaɪn/

To keep within a bounded space or range.

The playpen confines the puppy to a safe area with water and toys.

A small puppy remains safely within a spacious low playpen while an adult closes its gate; visibly bounded area, water bowl and toy.
Etymology
confineFrenchto border; to enclose

French confiner covered both bordering and enclosing. English first used confine for sharing a boundary, then for keeping someone or something within boundaries—the restrictive meaning used here.

In context

The Science Circle Foundation53:21
to confine them in solitary in without companionship without the ability to go more than tens of meters
Linda Morris Kelley - Whales, dolphins, porpoises, and us..

More examples

  • Please confine your comments to the proposed changes.
  • The firefighters confined the blaze to one room.
  • We work within the confines of a small office.

Forms

confine · confines · confined · confining

confinement noun — The state of being kept within limits.

Similar words

restrict
Emphasizes limiting activity or choice rather than physical location.
enclose
Emphasizes surrounding something with a barrier rather than restricting scope.
contain
Emphasizes preventing escape or spread rather than setting a range.