coop up
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To keep someone stuck inside a small space where they can't move around freely.
Literal meaning: To put into a coop, the small cage used to keep poultry.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To keep a person or animal confined in a small or enclosed space, especially for too long.
"The kids have been cooped up inside all week because of the rain."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To feel trapped or restless because of being forced to stay in a limited space.
"After two weeks of illness, she was going crazy being cooped up in her flat."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Almost always used in the passive ('I've been cooped up all day') or with a reflexive feel. Strongly implies discomfort, restlessness, or frustration at being unable to go out. Very commonly used to describe people stuck indoors due to weather, illness, or lockdown.
Commonly used with
house apartment room indoors all day children animals
Forms
Base
coop up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
coops up
he/she/it
Past simple
cooped up
yesterday
Past participle
cooped up
have + pp
-ing form
cooping up
continuous
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Synonyms
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