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DictionaryhemConfine closely
verb

hem

To surround closely and limit movement or freedom.

Tall fences hem us in on every side.

Etymology
hemEnglishborder; edge

The verb grows from the enclosing edge named by hem. Hemming people in forms close boundaries around them, restricting where they can move or act.

More examples

  • Parked cars hem the delivery truck in.
  • She feels hemmed in by rules at work.
  • The crowd is hemming us in against the railing.

Forms

hem · hems · hemmed · hemming

Similar words

confine
Emphasizes keeping people within limits, not necessarily surrounding them.
enclose
Emphasizes surrounding with boundaries without necessarily limiting freedom.
restrict
Emphasizes limiting choices or movement rather than surrounding closely.