solitary confinement

[ sol-i-ter-ee kuhn-fahyn-muhnt ]

noun

1. the confinement of a prisoner in a cell or other place in which they are completely isolated from others.

solitary confinement

noun

1. isolation imposed on a prisoner, as by confinement in a special cell

Word History and Origins

Origin of solitary confinement¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

He was jailed for his role in them, and placed in solitary confinement.

From BBC

In the early years, he said, he acted up, raking up disciplinary infractions that landed him in solitary confinement.

From Los Angeles Times

They have also lobbied against legislation to limit the use of solitary confinement and grant inmates more visiting rights.

From Los Angeles Times

Stewart said she was dragged into solitary confinement for touching an officer.

From Salon

"They're killing him softly in solitary confinement in this death cell," she told the BBC in July 2023, after he had been allowed to call his family for the first time in two years.

From BBC