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Caged Meaning: Definition and Examples

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caged

[keɪdʒd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

state of confinement

Caged refers to being confined or enclosed within a cage or similar structure. It evokes a sense of restriction and limitation in movement and freedom. When used metaphorically, it can describe a feeling of being trapped in a situation or circumstance. This term is often applied both literally, in terms of animals or objects being kept within cages, and figuratively, regarding emotions or life situations.

Synonyms

confined, enclosed, imprisoned, restricted, trapped.

Examples of usage

  • The caged bird sang a sorrowful song.
  • He felt caged in his monotonous job.
  • The caged animals in the zoo sparked a debate on animal rights.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, being caged often represents feelings of confinement and the struggle for freedom, as seen in works like 'The Shawshank Redemption.'
  • The short story 'Caged Bird' by Maya Angelou uses the metaphor of a caged bird to express the pain of oppression and the longing for freedom.

Psychology

  • Feeling caged can lead to a sense of anxiety and restlessness, as people naturally seek autonomy and freedom.
  • The psychological concept of 'cabin fever' describes the feelings of isolation and agitation that can come from being confined to one space for too long.

Pop Culture

  • The song 'Caged Bird' by the musician Vanessa Williams captures the essence of seeking freedom from restrictions.
  • Movies like 'Bird Box' use the metaphor of being caged to discuss themes of survival and the desire to escape danger.

Animal Behavior

  • Animals in captivity, like zoo animals or pets in cages, often exhibit stress behaviors, indicating that cages can affect their mental health.
  • Caging a natural animal can disrupt its instinctual behaviors and lead to issues like pacing or excessive vocalizations.

Origin of 'caged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'caged' comes from 'cage,' which traces back to the Old French word 'cage,' meaning a bird enclosure.
  • The Latin word 'cāgĕre,' meaning to confine or trap, is also an ancestor of 'cage.'

The word 'caged' is derived from the noun 'cage', which has its origins in the Middle English term 'cage', itself coming from the Old French 'cage' meaning 'a place of confinement, enclosure or pen'. The French term can be traced back to the Latin 'cāra', meaning 'a place for animals' or 'a coop'. Historically, cages have been used for various purposes, including the containment of animals, storage, or even as a means of physical restraint for individuals in various cultures. The verb 'to cage' means to confine or enclose within a cage, and the past participle form 'caged' suggests the state of having been confined. The figurative use of the term has evolved to describe not only physical confinement but also emotional or situational entrapment, reflecting societal themes of freedom and restriction.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,809, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.