box in

phrasal verb

boxed in; boxing in; boxes in
: to surround (someone or something) and make movement difficult
The other bicyclists boxed her in and she couldn't move ahead.
usually used as (be) boxed in
We were boxed in and couldn't get out of our parking space.
sometimes used figuratively
I feel boxed in by all these rules.

Examples of box in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think again before planting a full-size tree where it will be boxed in by masonry. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Jackson eventually drove onto Interstate 290, where her vehicle was boxed in with assistance from the Chicago Police Department. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025 The 31-year-old transitioned to MMA from boxing in March. Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025 Other ways to attract pest predators are to install bird houses and bird feeders near your garden, or hang a bat box in an out-of-the-way corner of your yard. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for box in

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Cite this Entry

“Box in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/box%20in. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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