Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition confine in American English

confine verb

[transitive] verb
/kənˈfaɪn/
1

to force someone to stay in a place and prevent them from leaving

Example

Many prisoners are confined to their cells for long periods of time.

Synonyms and related words
shut in imprison confine
1.1

to make someone stay in a place because they are too ill, weak, or disabled to leave

Example

Ill health kept him confined to his room.

Synonyms and related words
admit bedside manner be on call
2

to prevent something dangerous from spreading

Example

They managed to confine the fire to the engine room.

Synonyms and related words
cut into shut off kill
3

if something is confined to one area or group of people, it happens only in that area or affects only that group of people

Example

Before 1914 divorce was largely confined to the upper classes.

Example

The risk of infection is confined to relatively small groups.

Synonyms and related words
draw a line in the sand limit control
3.1

to keep an activity within particular limits

Example

I shall attempt to confine the discussion to broad principles.

Synonyms and related words
draw a line in the sand limit control
Definition confine in American English