cocoon

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to retreat as if into a cocoon, as from an unfriendly environment

   Families cocoon around the T.V. set most evenings.

2. 2
   noun

   Any similar protective case, whether real or metaphorical.

   The bad guys generally don’t like to get on trains, because they’re trapped on a moving cocoon that the CTA controls.

3. 3
   verb

   To envelop in a protective case.

   Vern grabbed the throw draped over the back of the sofa and cocooned herself within it.

4. 4
   noun

   silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs

5. 5
   verb

   to wrap in or as if in a cocoon, as for protection

6. 6
   noun

   The silky case spun by the larvae of some insects in which they metamorphose, protecting the pupa within.

7. 7
   verb

   To withdraw into such a case.

Etymology

From French cocon, diminutive of coque (“shell”).