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.

Both he and Brock reported extended solitary confinement stints—four months for Mock, seven for Brock.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

Marwan Barghouti is understood to have been kept in solitary confinement for the past two-and-a-half years.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 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

Lai’s lawyers say he has several chronic health conditions and suffers from being in solitary confinement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

I assured him that solitary confinement would be fine as long as I could wear and eat what I chose.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela