Word: cage

Associations

A cage is a structure that holds or confines something, usually animals. It often suggests a sense of restriction or limitation.

• Example 1: "The bird is in a cage". This shows that the bird is trapped and cannot fly freely.
• Example 2: "He felt like he was in a cage at work." This means he felt restricted in his job, unable to express himself.
• Example 3: "The zoo has a new cage for the lions." This illustrates a physical structure designed to contain animals safely.

A well-known synonym of "cage" is "enclosure." The main difference is that "cage" often implies a more restrictive or confining structure, while "enclosure" can refer to any area that is fenced or surrounded.

Substitution

In different contexts, you might use other words instead of "cage":

• "Pen" - usually refers to a smaller area for animals but can imply more freedom than a cage.
• "Barrier" - emphasizes something that prevents movement, but it's less physical and can refer to any obstacle.
• "Cell" - often used for confining prisoners, suggesting a very limited space.

Deconstruction

The word "cage" has a simple origin. It comes from the Old French word "cage," which means "a place for keeping animals." It doesn't have any prefixes or suffixes. The root meaning suggests containment, which is central to its definition.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt trapped or confined like an animal in a cage? What was the situation?
• In what ways can a cage be both protective and limiting?
• How do you feel when pets are kept in cages versus when they roam free?