confine Definition
- 1keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of (space, scope, quantity, or time)
- 2the borders or boundaries of a place, especially with regard to their restricting freedom of movement
Using confine: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "confine" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The prisoners were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.
Example
The fire was confined to the kitchen and did not spread to other parts of the house.
Example
The company's operations are confined to Europe and Asia.
Example
The doctor advised him to confine his alcohol intake to one drink per day.
confine Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with confine
Example
I have decided to confine myself to studying for the exam this weekend.
Example
The team worked within the confines of a tight budget to complete the project.
a space that is enclosed and has limited access and egress, such as a tank, vessel, silo, or small room
Example
Workers must be trained before entering a confined space to ensure their safety.
Origins of confine
from Latin 'confinis', meaning 'bordering upon'
Summary: confine in Brief
To 'confine' [kənˈfaɪn] means to keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of space, scope, quantity, or time. It can refer to physical borders or boundaries, as in 'The prisoners were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day,' or to more abstract limitations, as in 'The company's operations are confined to Europe and Asia.' Phrases like 'confine oneself to something' and 'within the confines of something' denote self-imposed or external restrictions, while 'confined space' refers to an enclosed and limited-access area.
