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confine

con·fine

confine

 
 
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Word Builder, Word Parts
part of speech: verb
pronunciation: kn faIn
inflections: confines, confining, confined
definition 1: to keep within limits; restrict.
The storm confined us to the house.The reporters were asked to confine their questions to the major topic.
synonyms:
limit, restrict
antonyms:
loose
similar words:
bind, control
definition 2: to shut in; put in prison.
The king confined the thief for thirty days.
 
synonyms:
enclose, restrict, shut in
antonyms:
discharge
similar words:
cage, chain, commit, coop up, hold, imprison, jail, keep, lock up, quarantine
 
part of speech: noun
pronunciation: kan faIn
definition: (usually plural.) border or limit.
We kept the dog within the confines of our yard.
synonyms:
boundaries, bounds
similar words:
borders, limits
derivations: confinable (confineable) (adj.), confined (adj.), confineless (adj.), confiner (n.)
Word Builder: confine +
  • confined:
    close, tight.
Word Parts  About this feature
The word confine contains the following parts:
con- Latin prefix that means with, together
Show wordsHide wordsMore about this word part:
The prefix con- is an assimilated form of com- used before roots beginning with c, d, f, g, j, n, s, t, and v. See com-. Note: con- is frequently an intensive prefix, as in "conceive ."
fin Latin root that means end, limit