cocoon

A protective cover made of fine threads by some young insects while they change into adults.

• The moth left its cocoon.
• The caterpillar spun a cocoon on a branch.
• We found several cocoons beneath the leaves.

Common phrases: silk cocoon, inside a cocoon, spin a cocoon

A cover or surrounding space that keeps someone or something safe and separate from the outside world.

• The baby slept in a warm cocoon.
• Foam formed a protective cocoon around the equipment.
• Their home was a cocoon of warmth and safety.

How to use it: a cocoon of something (She lay in a cocoon of blankets.)

Similar words: protective shell

Common phrases: protective cocoon, cocoon of something, warm cocoon

To surround someone or something with a cover that protects them.

• Warm blankets cocooned the baby.
• They cocooned the fragile vase in layers of foam.
• The cabin cocooned us from the winter cold.

How to use it: cocoon someone/something in something (She cocooned the baby in a soft blanket.)

Similar words: envelop, wrap, protect

Common phrases: cocoon someone in, cocoon something in

To hide away in a safe, comfortable place, away from other people or outside problems.

• I like to cocoon at home.
• She cocooned in her room after a difficult week.
• They spent the winter cocooning indoors with books and blankets.

How to use it: cocoon in something (He cocooned in his bedroom all weekend.)

Similar words: withdraw, retreat

Common phrases: cocoon at home, cocoon in something