Confine

1con;fine pronunciation: function: noun etymology: middle english, from anglo-french or latin; anglo-french confines, plural, from latin confine border, from neuter of confinis adjacent, from com- + finis enddate: 15th century 1 plural a : something (as borders or walls) that encloses lt;outside the confines of the office or hospital — w. a. nolengt;; also : something that restrains lt;escape from the confines of soot and clutter — e. s. muskiegt; b : scope 3 lt;work within the confines of a small group — frank newmangt;2 a archaic : restriction b obsolete : prison