Confine: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to keeping someone or something within certain boundaries, often physical, such as a room, building, or other enclosed space.

• The patient was confined to his room during the quarantine.
• The sailors were confined to the ship for days due to the storm.

Applicable when referring to setting a maximum or minimum boundary on something, such as quantity, time, or ability.

• The company decided to limit the budget for the project.
• You should limit your screen time to avoid eye strain.

Appropriate for indicating placing rules or limitations on someone or something, and can apply to movement, actions, or access. It often carries a sense of regulation or prohibition.

• The new policy will restrict public access to the library during weekends.
• The diet plan restricts the intake of sugar and carbs.

Used when indicating holding back someone or something physically or metaphorically, often with a sense of control or restriction. The word often has a slightly negative or forceful connotation.

• It took three officers to restrain the suspect.
• She had to restrain herself from yelling during the meeting.

Used when talking about restricting someone or something within certain limits. Often has a negative connotation as it implies restriction.

• The prisoners were confined to their cells
• Her illness confines her to the house

Typically used to define the limits of an area, often in a more abstract or figurative sense like personal space. Neutral connotation.

• You need to respect my personal boundaries
• The boundary between the two properties is marked by a fence

Used to describe the edge or boundary of a geographical area, usually between countries or regions. Neutral connotation.

• We crossed the border into Canada
• The river forms a natural border between the two states

Used when specifying the maximum point or level something can reach. Often implies a restriction but not necessarily negative.

• There is a limit to how much stress one can endure
• The speed limit on this road is 60 km/h