Hemmed: meaning, definitions and examples

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hemmed

 

[ hɛm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sewing technique

To hem something means to finish the edge of a piece of fabric, typically to prevent it from fraying. This is often done with a fold and a stitch to create a neat edge.

Synonyms

edge, finish, fold

Examples of usage

  • She hemmed the dress before wearing it.
  • The tailor hemmed the pants for a perfect fit.
  • He learned how to hem his own clothes.
  • The edges of the curtains were hemmed to match the decor.
Context #2 | Verb

constrain

To hem someone in means to restrict their movement or freedom, often by surrounding them. This usage conveys a sense of being trapped or limited by external forces.

Synonyms

confine, restrict, trap

Examples of usage

  • The police hemmed in the protesters.
  • She felt hemmed in by her responsibilities.
  • The walls of the old town hemmed in the market square.
  • They were hemmed in by thick underbrush.

Translations

Translations of the word "hemmed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bordeado

🇮🇳 हेम किया हुआ

🇩🇪 umsäumt

🇮🇩 dijahit

🇺🇦 обшитий

🇵🇱 wykończony

🇯🇵 裾を縫った

🇫🇷 ourlé

🇪🇸 rematado

🇹🇷 kenarları dikişli

🇰🇷 헴 처리된

🇸🇦 مخيط

🇨🇿 obšitý

🇸🇰 obšitý

🇨🇳 缝合的

🇸🇮 obrobljen

🇮🇸 saumaður

🇰🇿 шетін тігіп қойған

🇬🇪 დაბმული

🇦🇿 kənarları tikilmiş

🇲🇽 rematado

Word origin

The word 'hem' originates from the Old English 'ham', which referred to the border or edge of a garment. It is related to terms in various Germanic languages that also denote edges or borders. Over time, the term evolved to include specific techniques for finishing fabric edges to prevent fraying. The verb form 'hemmed' emerged as sewing practices became more standardized, particularly in the context of clothing design. In addition to its primary meaning in sewing, 'hem' has taken on metaphorical meanings in modern English, indicating confinement or restriction. This evolution demonstrates language's capacity to adapt to cultural practices and societal changes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,996, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.