cocooning

Domestic retreat lifestyle

Cocooning is withdrawing into the comfort and privacy of one's home, avoiding social interaction with the outside world.

The term evokes a caterpillar wrapped in protective silk.

It gained currency in the 1980s to describe a cultural trend toward home-centered entertainment and domestic retreats: After months of travel, I'm ready for some serious cocooning.

retreat

withdrawal

Act of taking away

seclusionVoluntary withdrawal from society
hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
nestingMaking a dwelling

hunkering · sheltering · homebody · introversion · solitude · privacy · hermitage · reclusiveness · detachment · downtime

protection

wrapping

Outer covering material

swaddlingWrapping babies snugly
bundlingGrouping items as one
insulationThermal transfer prevention

cushioning · padding · enveloping · encasing · shielding · buffering · cradling · nestling · blanketing · snuggling

Categories

Insect Traitssix-legged, winged, antennae, exoskeleton, segmented
introversionintroversion, solitude, alone time, isolation, loner
gentle handlingcradling, cushioning, padding, wrapping, swaddling
staying homehomebody, nesting, indoors, housebound, staycation
insect behaviorbee swarm, swarming, mating, nesting, pollination
insect behaviorsforaging, mating, flight, flying, crawling

Opposites

social engagement

cocooningsocializing

Engaging with others recreationally

going out · mingling · networking · partying · clubbing

exposure to the world

cocooningadventuring

Pursuing exciting undertakings

exploring · globetrotting · immersion · exposure · risk-taking

activity level

cocooningactive lifestyle

Habit of regular exercise

hyperactivity · restlessness · hustle and bustle · jet-setting · living it up

Family

cocoon, cocoons, cocooned

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G