What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confinement
Example
The patient was placed in confinement for their own safety. [confinement: noun]
Example
The animal was kept in confinement for observation and study. [confinement: noun]
incarceration
Example
The suspect was sentenced to incarceration for their crimes. [incarceration: noun]
Example
The prisoner was released after serving ten years of incarceration. [incarceration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incarceration is more commonly used than confinement in legal and criminal justice contexts. Confinement is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as medical or animal care.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between confinement and incarceration?
Incarceration is a more formal term than confinement, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
