box in

phrasal verb

boxed in; boxing in; boxes in
: to surround (someone or something) and make movement difficult
The other bicyclists boxed her in and she couldn't move ahead.
usually used as (be) boxed in
We were boxed in and couldn't get out of our parking space.
sometimes used figuratively
I feel boxed in by all these rules.

Examples of box in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Donald Trump has ticked many boxes in his life and career: husband (three times), father (of five), (multi-)billionaire, President (twice). Chad De Guzman, Time, 8 July 2025 Chapman, who hasn’t played since June 8, checked off another box in his return from right hand inflammation by taking batting practice at Chase Field prior to the Giants’ series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 July 2025 But Chris Breeden told The Enquirer that the scene where De Niro and another man are sitting on boxes in what appears to be a storage room was filmed in the bar's courtyard. David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Footage obtained by troopers also showed Vincent driving in his truck with a green metal box in the bed on June 20.. Then, on June 29, troopers got a call from the most dedicated member of the search team. Chris Spargo, People.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for box in

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Cite this Entry

“Box in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/box%20in. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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