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hems in

VERB

enclose, restrict

Synonyms

WEAK

begird beset border bound cage circle circumscribe close in confine corral define edge encircle encompass envelop environ fence fringe girdle hedge in immure margin pen rim ring round shut shut in skirt surround verge

Antonyms

WEAK

let go release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As smoke quickly darkens the day and the unstoppable, town-hopping fire hems in the bus, cutting off routes, the journey takes a dystopian turn, raising the stakes and alarm levels to unimaginable heights.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

“That's why the young people are agitating right now for change,” he says, suggesting they are frustrated by a corrupt political system that hems in their potential.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2024

Along with Japan's neighbouring island of Okinawa, Taiwan hems in Beijing's forces.

From Reuters • Jun. 7, 2022

Leko’s questionable opening choice allows White to achieve a dynamic, unbalanced position, and Kramnik hems in Black’s bishop with 18.

From Washington Times • Feb. 5, 2019

Roaming over the desert which hems in the delta, solitary shepherds, strangely clad and wild-looking, herd their flocks of sheep and goats which browse upon the scrub.

From Peeps at Many Lands: Egypt by Kelly, R. Talbot (Robert Talbot)