shut-in

[ shuht-in ]
/ ˈʃʌtˌɪn /

adjective

confined to one's home, a hospital, etc., as from illness.
Psychiatry. disposed to desire solitude; withdrawn; asocial.
(of an oil or gas well) temporarily sealed up.

noun

a person confined by infirmity or disease to the house, a hospital, etc.
Also called shut-in well. an oil or gas well that has been closed down.

Origin of shut-in

1840–50, Americanism; adj., noun use of verb phrase shut in

Example sentences from the Web for shut-in

British Dictionary definitions for shut-in

shut-in

noun

mainly US and Canadian
  1. a person confined indoors by illness
  2. (as modifier)a shut-in patient
psychiatry a condition in which the person is highly withdrawn and unable to express his own feelings See also schizoid

Medical definitions for shut-in

shut-in
[ shŭtĭn′ ]

n.

A person confined indoors by illness or disability.

adj.

Confined to a home or hospital, as by illness.
Disposed to avoid social contact; excessively withdrawn or introverted.