Meaning & Definition of word "Cornered"
to
Cornered
/ˈkɔːrnərd/
verb:
- 1. Past tense of corner; to trap someone or something in a corner.
- Example: The predator cornered its prey, leaving it no escape.
- 2. To put someone in a difficult position where they have no way to escape or evade.
- Example: During the debate, the candidate was cornered by tough questions about his policies.
- 3. To confine or restrict someone or something to a particular area.
- Example: The negotiations cornered the team into accepting unfavorable terms.
adjective:
- 1. Describing a state of being trapped or unable to escape.
- Example: Feeling cornered, she struggled to find a way to express her true feelings.
- 2. Used to describe a situation where someone has limited options available.
- Example: He found himself in a cornered position after making such a bold statement.
Etymology
The word 'cornered' derives from 'corner', which comes from the Latin 'cornu' meaning 'horn', referring to the angular shape.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cornered animal:
An animal that has been trapped or is in a position where it feels threatened and cannot escape.
cornered the market:
To dominate the supply of a particular good or service, limiting competition.
Related Words
corner:
An area or angle formed by the intersection of two surfaces.
confine:
To restrict someone or something within certain limits.
Slang Meanings of cornered
Meaning: In a tough spot
Example Sentence: After missing the deadline, she felt like she was really cornered.
Meaning: Stuck
Example Sentence: I’m cornered with these responsibilities and can’t take on any more work.