solitary confinement — The punishment of being kept alone in a prison cell, separated from other prisoners
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The punishment of being kept alone in a prison cell, separated from other prisoners
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɑːlɪteri kənˈfaɪnmənt/
Example Sentences
- My little brother said being sent to his room felt like solitary confinement, even though it had a TV and snacks.
- Human rights groups argue that long-term solitary confinement can cause serious psychological damage.
- During the pandemic lockdown, some people joked that staying home alone felt like voluntary solitary confinement.
solitary confinement
NOUN[/ˈsɑːlɪteri kənˈfaɪnmənt/]
The punishment of being kept alone in a prison cell, separated from other prisoners
The prisoner endured solitary confinement, staring at four blank walls for weeks.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'solus' (alone) forming 'solitary', combined with 'confine' from Latin 'con-' (together/within) + 'finis' (boundary), meaning to be kept within strict limits alone.
Breakdown
solitary (alone) + con- (within) + fine (boundary) + -ment (noun suffix, state of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother said being sent to his room felt like solitary confinement, even though it had a TV and snacks.”
“Human rights groups argue that long-term solitary confinement can cause serious psychological damage.”
“During the pandemic lockdown, some people joked that staying home alone felt like voluntary solitary confinement.”
“The prisoner spent three months in solitary confinement after the escape attempt.”
📚Related Words
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