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

She describes being strip searched, served "nearly inedible" food and how inmates who refuse to eat are threatened with "solitary confinement".

From BBC

We were taken to a prison run by Libyan intelligence, where we were held in solitary confinement, and accused of spying.

From BBC

They placed him in solitary confinement for three days as punishment, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

A political activist, Goonei was in solitary confinement in Iran's notorious Evin Prison when it was hit in a targeted attack by Israel on 23 June.

From BBC

A coordinator at the prison eventually told us my uncle was alive, that he had received medical treatment and was being held in solitary confinement for his safety.

From Salon