Hem in

verb

To surround something or someone in a way that restricts movement or freedom.

The crowd hemmed in the celebrity, making it impossible for him to reach his car.
Visual representation of "hem in" - To surround something or someone in a way that restricts movement or freedom

Often appears as...

  • hem somebody in
  • hem in by something
verb

To limit the ability of someone to do something or limit the development of something.

She felt hemmed in by all the rules and regulations at her new job.
Visual representation of "hem in" - To limit the ability of someone to do something or limit the development of something

Often appears as...

  • hemmed in by rules
  • feel hemmed in
verb

To surround something or someone in a way that restricts movement or freedom.

The crowd hemmed in the celebrity, making it impossible for him to reach his car.
Visual representation of "hem in" - To surround something or someone in a way that restricts movement or freedom

Often appears as...

  • hem somebody in
  • hem in by something
verb

To limit the ability of someone to do something or limit the development of something.

She felt hemmed in by all the rules and regulations at her new job.
Visual representation of "hem in" - To limit the ability of someone to do something or limit the development of something

Often appears as...

  • hemmed in by rules
  • feel hemmed in
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "hem in"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Barrier

Used when someone is physically trapped by objects or people.

Illustration for Physical Barrier
Tourists in the narrow alley were hemmed in by vendors.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Feeling Trapped

Can express feeling overwhelmed or without escape.

Illustration for Feeling Trapped
At the packed concert, I felt hemmed in and needed fresh air.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Direct Route

Implies having to take a different path due to being surrounded.

Illustration for No Direct Route
We were hemmed in by the parade and had to circle back.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Barrier

Used when someone is physically trapped by objects or people.

Illustration for Physical Barrier
Tourists in the narrow alley were hemmed in by vendors.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Feeling Trapped

Can express feeling overwhelmed or without escape.

Illustration for Feeling Trapped
At the packed concert, I felt hemmed in and needed fresh air.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Direct Route

Implies having to take a different path due to being surrounded.

Illustration for No Direct Route
We were hemmed in by the parade and had to circle back.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Barrier

Used when someone is physically trapped by objects or people.

Illustration for Physical Barrier
Tourists in the narrow alley were hemmed in by vendors.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Feeling Trapped

Can express feeling overwhelmed or without escape.

Illustration for Feeling Trapped
At the packed concert, I felt hemmed in and needed fresh air.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Direct Route

Implies having to take a different path due to being surrounded.

Illustration for No Direct Route
We were hemmed in by the parade and had to circle back.
Visual representation of the word "Hem in"

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