solitary confinement

/ˈsɒlɪtɛri kənˈfaɪnmənt/
noun phraseIntermediate💡 isolation in a prison cell alone
⚖️Law
formal

The practice of isolating a prisoner in a separate cell or room to prevent contact with other inmates, often used as punishment or for safety reasons.

Due to his violent behavior, the inmate was moved to solitary confinement.

The inmate was placed in isolation because of his aggressive actions.

Solitary confinement is sometimes used to protect vulnerable prisoners from harm.

Isolation is sometimes used to keep certain prisoners safe from others.

💡

Solitary confinement is controversial due to its psychological effects on inmates.

Collocations

place in solitary confinementto put someone in isolationtime in solitarythe duration spent in isolation

Related Phrases

lockdownphrase
restriction of movement in a facility
isolation cellphrase
a cell used for solitary confinement

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

This phrase is commonly used in discussions about prison conditions and human rights.

Gold Rule

Usage

Use in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or news reports about prisons.

📖Word Origin

From 'solitary' (alone) + 'confinement' (restriction of movement).

📝Usage Notes

Often used in legal and prison contexts. Can have negative psychological effects.

Word Breakdown

solitary
alone
root
+
confinement
restriction of movement
root
English Dictionary