Pronunciation: /hɛm ɪn/
verb to surround or confine someone or something
A1 The farmer used a fence to hem in the sheep.
A2 The walls hemmed in the garden, creating a cozy space.
B1 The regulations hem in the company's ability to expand.
B2 The legal constraints hemmed in the CEO's decision-making power.
C1 The political situation hemmed in the country's economic growth.
C2 The media scrutiny hemmed in the celebrity's private life.
adverb used to describe the action of surrounding or confining someone or something
A1 The fence hemmed in the garden to keep the rabbits out.
A2 She felt hemmed in by the crowded subway car.
B1 The tall buildings hemmed in the narrow street, creating a canyon-like effect.
B2 The regulations hem in the company's ability to innovate.
C1 The political situation hemmed in the country's economic growth.
C2 The legal restrictions hem in the company's expansion plans.
formal The construction site is hemmed in by tall buildings on all sides.
informal I feel hemmed in by all the clutter in my small apartment.
slang I hate feeling hemmed in by all these rules at work.
figurative Her anxiety always seems to hem her in, preventing her from trying new things.
hemmed in
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to hem in
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