cocoon
/kə'ku:n/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A silky case spun by the larvae of many insects (e.g., moths, butterflies) to protect themselves during the pupal stage: It is a protective covering within which metamorphosis occurs.
- A similar protective case spun by spiders to protect their eggs: It serves as a shelter for eggs.
- Any similar protective covering or cozy environment: Used metaphorically to describe something that provides a sense of safety, isolation, or comfort.
Verb:
- To wrap or envelop in or as if in a cocoon, for protection: The action of surrounding something with a protective layer or environment.
- To retreat into a state of isolation or seclusion, as if into a protective shell: Often used to describe withdrawing from the outside world into a safe, private, or comfortable space.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The caterpillar spun a silken cocoon before transforming into a moth.
- We found a spider's egg cocoon attached to the underside of the leaf.
- After the surgery, his arm was in a plaster cocoon.
Verb:
- She cocooned the fragile vase in several layers of bubble wrap before mailing it.
- During the winter storm, we cocooned ourselves at home with books and hot chocolate.
- He tends to cocoon in his office when he needs to focus on a difficult project.
Advanced Usage
"to live in a cocoon": To live in a state of sheltered isolation, often unaware of or protected from external problems or realities.
- Growing up in that small town, she lived in a cocoon and was unprepared for the challenges of the city.
"a cocoon of silence/security": A metaphorical phrase describing an environment that provides a specific type of protection or atmosphere.
- The library offered a cocoon of silence perfect for studying.
- The wealthy neighborhood was a cocoon of security, far removed from the city's crime.
Variants and Related Words
- Cocooning (gerund/noun): The action or practice of spending leisure time at home in a secluded, comfortable way.
- The trend of cocooning became popular, with people preferring quiet nights at home over going out.
Synonyms
- Noun (for the protective case): Chrysalis (specifically for butterflies), case, sheath, covering.
- Verb (for the action of wrapping/secluding): Envelop, swathe, wrap, seclude, insulate, shield.
Related Phrases/Idioms
Spin a cocoon: Literally, what an insect does; metaphorically, it can mean to create a protective or isolating environment for oneself.
- After his divorce, he spun a cocoon and avoided social contact for months.
Emerging from a/one's cocoon: To come out of a period of isolation, protection, or development.
- After years of dedicated study, she emerged from her cocoon as a brilliant scholar.
Noun
- silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
Verb
- wrap in or as if in a cocoon, as for protection
- retreat as if into a cocoon, as from an unfriendly environment
- Families cocoon around the T.V. set most evenings
- She loves to stay at home and cocoon