cocoon
/kəˈkuːn/ (bre, ipa) · /kəˈkuːn/ (ame, ipa) · /kə-ˈkün/ (ame, mw)
cocoon — noun
- cocoonsingular
- cocoonsplural
1. a silky case that an insect larva or a spider makes to protect itself while it g
a silky case that an insect larva or a spider makes to protect itself while it grows and changes into an adult
The caterpillar spun a silken cocoon and stayed inside it for several weeks.
verb pattern: spin / build + cocoon
The children found a silkworm's cocoon hanging from a mulberry tree in the garden.
cocoon as a found object in nature
Inside the cocoon, the larva slowly changes into a fully grown moth or butterfly.
用法筆記
Do not confuse cocoon with chrysalis: moths and some other insects make cocoons from silk; butterflies form a hard chrysalis, not a cocoon.
常見錯誤
2. a quiet, comfortable place or situation that makes someone feel safe and protect
a quiet, comfortable place or situation that makes someone feel safe and protected from stress or trouble
The writer retreated into the warm cocoon of her study after a long day.
metaphorical use: cocoon of [place]
The small seaside village became a peaceful cocoon where the family could heal together.
The shy teenager's bedroom was a safe cocoon from the noise of school.
- exposure
the state of being unprotected or vulnerable
用法筆記
Often used with a modifier (warm, safe, peaceful, protective) to describe the quality of the protective environment. Usually singular.
常見錯誤
cocoon — verb
- cocoonpresent simple I / you / we / they
- cocoons3rd person singular
- cocooning-ing form
- cocoonedpast simple
1. to protect or wrap someone or yourself in a way that keeps the world away, like
to protect or wrap someone or yourself in a way that keeps the world away, like being inside a cocoon
Grandparents often try to cocoon their grandchildren from every possible danger.
cocoon + object + from + danger
After the scandal broke, the politician cocooned himself inside his country house for weeks.
reflexive: cocoon + oneself
The mother cocooned her baby in a soft wool blanket against the cold night air.
- expose
to leave unprotected or open to harm
文法句型
cocoon + object
cocoon + object + from + noun
cocoon + reflexive pronoun
用法筆記
When the meaning is retreat or hide, the verb is usually reflexive (cocoon oneself in/from/inside). When the meaning is protect, it can take a direct object (cocoon someone from). Frequently found in passive voice: 'cocooned in blankets'.