confine
UK: /kənˈfaɪn/ | US: /kənˈfaɪn/
vt. to restrict or keep within certain limits
vt. to imprison or enclose
n. (often plural) a boundary or limit
confine = con<together> + fine<boundary>
- con (Latin cum): Prefix meaning "together" or "with."
- fine (Latin finis): Root meaning "boundary" or "end."
Etymology Origin:
The word "confine" originates from Latin confinare, combining con- (intensifying "together") and finis ("boundary"). It originally described shared borders between territories, later evolving to imply restriction or imprisonment (e.g., "confined to a space"). The dual meaning—physical limits and metaphorical constraints—reflects its logical progression from literal boundaries to abstract limitations.
The prisoners were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.
Please confine your remarks to the topic of the meeting.
The virus is largely confined to tropical regions.
Her artistic talents are not confined to painting alone.
The ancient walls marked the confines of the city.