When something is confining it limits you and holds you in. If you find living in a small town confining, you probably feel claustrophobic, like there's not enough room there for you and your aspirations.

What does it mean to confine to something?

1confine somebody/something to something [often passive] to keep someone or something inside the limits of a particular activity, subject, area, etc. synonym restrict The work will not be confined to the Cleveland area.

What is the synonym of confining?

Some common synonyms of confine are circumscribe, limit, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.