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.

Rush has been held in solitary confinement, only allowed out for two hours a day.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Slate • May 2, 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

Yoon has been held in solitary confinement while fighting multiple criminal trials.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Maybe my sentence was solitary confinement for years and years.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom