box in

To stop someone or something from moving by surrounding them with things that block the way.

• Don't box my car in.
• Two police cars boxed the van in.
• We were boxed in by parked trucks.

How to use it: box someone/something in (A delivery truck boxed my car in.)

Similar words: trap, block in, surround

Opposites: free

Common phrases: box in someone, box in vehicles

To limit what someone can do, think, or say.

• Don't let labels box you in.
• Her family's expectations boxed her in.
• The contract has boxed us in creatively.

How to use it: box someone in (These strict rules box teachers in.)

Similar words: restrict, limit, constrain

Opposites: liberate

Common phrases: box in someone, box in artists

Draw a square or rectangle around something on a page.

• Box in your answer.
• She boxed in the date on the form.
• Have you boxed the correct section in?

How to use it: box something in (Box the important words in with a pencil.)

Similar words: frame, enclose

Common phrases: box in an answer, box something in