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pen in

idiom

Definition of pen in

: to prevent (someone or something) from moving beyond a particular area
  • The prisoners were penned in by a high fence.
—often used figuratively
  • She felt penned in by their relationship.

Word by Word Definitions

pen play

  1. : to shut in or as if in a pen

  1. : a small enclosure for animals

  2. : the animals in a pen

  3. : a small place of confinement or storage

  1. : an implement for writing or drawing with ink or a similar fluid: such as

  2. : quill

  3. : pen point

  1. : write, indite

  1. : a female swan

  1. : penitentiary

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