Definition of the word housebound

The word "housebound" is derived from two Old English words, "hȳs" meaning "house" and "bindan" meaning "to tie, confine, or restrain." In Old English, the expression "hūsbindan" meant "to confine oneself to a house." Over time, the phrase evolved into "housebound" in Middle English, as the language transitioned from Old English to Middle English in the 11th century. The modern spelling of the term, "housebound," emerged during the Early Modern English period, around the 16th century. Originally, the term "housebound" was used to describe individuals who were physically restricted to their homes due to various reasons such as illness or injury. However, in contemporary usage, the term can also refer to individuals who choose to remain at home due to personal preference, such as retirees or houseparents. Nonetheless, the root meaning of "housebound" remains the same, signifying a person who is confined or restricted to a house or home.