Definition

Verb: - To confine to a solitary cell; to sentence to solitary confinement: The act of legally punishing someone by imprisoning them in a cell, typically in isolation, and not allowing them to go outside.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bị kết án mười năm cấm cố. (He was sentenced to ten years' solitary confinement.)
  • Kẻ phạm tội nghiêm trọng bị cấm cố. (The serious offender was confined to a solitary cell.)
  • Tòa án có thể tuyên án cấm cố đối với tù nhân nguy hiểm. (The court can sentence dangerous prisoners to solitary confinement.)

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Judicial Context: The term is primarily used in formal, legal contexts to describe a specific type of prison punishment involving isolation.
  • Bản án bao gồm hình phạt cấm cố. (The verdict includes the punishment of solitary confinement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giam cầm (verb): To imprison, to detain. (A more general term for imprisonment.)
• Biệt giam (verb): To put in solitary confinement. (A close synonym emphasizing isolation.)
• Sự cấm cố (noun): Solitary confinement. (The noun form of the punishment.)

Synonyms

• Biệt giam: To isolate in prison, to hold in solitary confinement.
• Cách ly trong ngục: To isolate within prison.

Notes on Meaning

This word has a very specific meaning related to the penal system. It is not used for general detention or house arrest. It strongly implies confinement in a prison cell, often under harsh conditions with limited contact.

verb

1. To confine to a solitary cell
   • bị kết án mười năm cấm cố
     he was sentenced to ten years' solitary confinement