Which of the following terms best describes the practice of restraining an inmate in solitary confinement?

The term that best describes the practice of restraining an inmate in solitary confinement is segregation. In a correctional context, segregation refers specifically to the separation of an inmate from the general population, often to manage behavioral issues or ensure safety. Solitary confinement is a form of segregation where an inmate is isolated within a cell with minimal contact with others, typically to control their behavior or protect them or others.

Confinement is a broader term that may refer to any restriction of freedom, including various forms of incarceration but does not specifically denote the isolation seen in solitary conditions. Detention typically refers to holding a person in custody, often before trial, and is not synonymous with the long-term isolation characteristic of solitary confinement. Exile implies being expelled from a community or country, which is not applicable in the context of incarceration and solitary confinement. Thus, segregation is the most accurate term to describe this specific practice.