Confined: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing a space that is closed off, making movement difficult. Often implies some level of discomfort or limitation.

• The patients were confined to their rooms for quarantine.
• The dog felt confined in its small cage.

Use when describing something that is controlled or subject to specific rules or limitations. Often has a regulatory implication.

• Access to this area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
• The restricted diet was necessary for her health condition.

Best used when referring to the amount, number, or extent of something. Often implies insufficiency or constraints.

• The tickets to the concert are limited.
• Due to limited resources, the project was put on hold.

Appropriate for describing something that is completely surrounded or closed off, often for protection or privacy.

• The garden was enclosed by a tall fence.
• She enclosed the letter in an envelope.

Use this word when referring to being kept in a certain area or being limited in scope.

• She was confined to her room due to the illness.
• Their activities were confined to the city's boundaries.

Use this word when talking about holding someone or something back, often physically or forcibly. It can have a slight negative connotation.

• He had to restrain the dog to keep it from running into the street.
• She struggled to restrain her emotions during the meeting.

Best used when talking about setting limits or rules. Often used in the context of regulations or policies.

• The new law will restrict the sale of tobacco products.
• They decided to restrict the number of participants in the event.

This word is ideal for situations where something is surrounded or closed off on all sides.

• They plan to enclose the garden with a wooden fence.
• Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application.