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.

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

Lai was kept in solitary confinement at his own request to avoid harassment, prosecutors said.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

He is in solitary confinement in a smaller than normal cell.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Lai's Catholic faith had deepened in solitary confinement - an arrangement he had requested, according to authorities.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

Ian was still being held in solitary confinement in Florida.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson