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confinement
/kɔ̃.fi.nə.mɑ̃/
quarantine or lockdown
Le gouvernement a imposé un confinement strict pendant la pandémie.
The government imposed a strict lockdown during the pandemic.
formal
A period of isolation or restriction of movement, often imposed by authorities to control the spread of disease or for other public health reasons.
Les écoles ont été fermées pendant le confinement.
Schools were closed during the lockdown.
The term gained widespread usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
general
The act of keeping someone or something in a restricted space or under strict control.
Le confinement des animaux sauvages est nécessaire pour leur protection.
The confinement of wild animals is necessary for their protection.
This meaning is less common and typically refers to physical or legal restraint.
Collocations
confinement obligatoiremandatory lockdownconfinement strictstrict lockdownlever le confinementlift the lockdown
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Common Usage
In French, 'confinement' is often used in the context of public health measures, similar to 'lockdown' in English.
Word Origin
From the verb 'confiner' (to confine), derived from the Latin 'confinare' (to limit, confine).
Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'confinement' often refers to pandemic-related restrictions, but it can also describe any form of enforced isolation or restriction.
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais