Definitions

solitary confinement

[sol-i-ter-ee kuhn-fahyn-muhnt] / ˈsɒl ɪˌtɛr i kənˈfaɪn mənt /

NOUN

confinement in isolation

Synonyms

WEAK

holding cell isolation lockdown solitary the hole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now that he was out of solitary confinement, Havens’ interest in gang politics had disappeared.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

Lindsay and Craig say that conditions in Evin prison are better than solitary confinement, but are still tough.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Seven years later, Gonzales was transferred to Pelican Bay State Prison’s Security Housing Unit, then the most restrictive facility in California, where he was held in solitary confinement for about 25 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

The 78-year-old publisher has already served years in solitary confinement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

But that night, she let Grace and Kojo visit him in solitary confinement.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein