Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To confine or enclose within a cage or a cage-like structure.
   • To restrict someone's freedom or movement, often creating a feeling of being trapped or imprisoned, whether physically or metaphorically.

Usage

• The verb "cage in" is used to describe the action of placing something or someone inside a cage, or more broadly, of imposing severe restrictions that limit freedom.
• It often carries a negative connotation, implying unwanted confinement or restriction.
• It is typically followed by a direct object (the thing or person being confined).

Examples

• Literal Confinement:
  • The zookeepers had to cage in the aggressive lion for safety.
  • Please cage in the birds before the storm arrives.
• Metaphorical Restriction:
  • His overprotective parents caged him in, never allowing him to make his own decisions.
  • Feeling caged in by her desk job, she dreamed of traveling the world.

Advanced Usage

• "to feel caged in": To experience a strong sense of confinement, restriction, or lack of freedom.
  • After months in the small apartment, he started to feel caged in.
• Passive Voice Construction: Often used in the passive voice to emphasize the state of being confined.
  • The animals were caged in for their own protection during the fire.

Variants and Related Words

• Cage (verb): To put or keep in a cage. (e.g., )
• Encase (verb): To enclose or cover in a case or close-fitting surround.
• Enclose (verb): To surround or close off on all sides.

Synonyms

• Confine: To keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits.
• Enclose: To surround or close off.
• Imprison: To put or keep in prison; to confine.
• Pen in: To enclose in a pen or small area.

Phrasal Verbs

• Box in: To trap or surround someone so they cannot move or escape easily.
  • The other cars boxed him in, and he couldn't leave the parking space.
• Hem in: To surround someone or something closely, restricting movement.
  • The protesters were hemmed in by police barriers.

Related Idioms

• Like a caged animal: Behaving in a restless, aggressive, or frantic way due to confinement or frustration.
  • He paced the room like a caged animal, waiting for the test results.

Verb

1. confine in a cage
   • The animal was caged