Definition

Noun: - A form of imprisonment where a prisoner is isolated from any human contact, often in a special cell, for 22 to 24 hours a day. It is used as a disciplinary or protective measure within a prison system.

Usage

• Solitary confinement is typically used as a non-count noun to describe the state or practice of isolation.
• It is often preceded by prepositions like , , or .
• Example:

Examples

• The judge argued that prolonged solitary confinement could constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
• Human rights organizations are campaigning to restrict the use of solitary confinement.
• After the altercation, he was immediately placed in solitary confinement.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in/serve solitary confinement": To be undergoing this specific form of punishment.
  • The prisoner has been in solitary confinement for a week.
• "to be placed/put into solitary confinement": To be subjected to this isolation as an action by authorities.
  • He was put into solitary confinement for his own safety.

Variants and Related Words

• Solitary (noun, informal): A term sometimes used by prisoners to refer to solitary confinement itself.
  • He got a week in solitary for the fight.
• Isolation (noun): The general state of being separated from others, which is the core concept of solitary confinement.
• Segregation (noun): In a prison context, this can refer to separation from the general population, which may include solitary confinement.

Synonyms

• Isolation: The state of being alone or separated.
• Segregation: The action of setting someone apart from others.
• The hole (slang): A colloquial term for solitary confinement.

Related Phrases

• Administrative segregation: A formal term for non-punitive isolation, often for safety or investigation.
• Protective custody: A form of separation for a prisoner's protection, which may involve conditions similar to solitary confinement.

Noun

1. confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners
   • he was held in solitary