cage

A space with metal bars or wire around it, used to keep an animal inside.

• The bird is in its cage.
• We cleaned the rabbit cages yesterday.
• Is this cage big enough for a parrot?

Common phrases: bird cage, wire cage, cage door

A frame that surrounds something to protect it or prevent it from getting out.

• The ribs form a protective cage.
• A steel cage surrounds the lift machinery.
• The driver was protected by a reinforced cage.

Similar words: frame, enclosure

Common phrases: rib cage, protective cage, steel cage

To put an animal inside a space surrounded by bars or wire.

• They cage the birds at night.
• The injured fox was caged for treatment.
• Would you cage such a large animal?

Similar words: confine

Opposites: release, free

Common phrases: cage a bird, cage an animal

To put someone in prison or keep them shut away.

• They wanted to cage him forever.
• The gang leader was caged for ten years.
• No prison could cage her spirit.

Similar words: imprison, lock up

Opposites: free, release

Common phrases: cage someone, cage someone forever