embay

Enclose in inlet

To embay is to force a vessel into a bay or to enclose within a bay, typically by wind or current that makes it difficult to sail out again.

The term appears in nautical contexts describing ships trapped by geography and weather: The storm embayed the fleet against the rocky coast.

More broadly, embay can mean to enclose or shelter within a bay-like formation.

enclosure

harbor

Safe anchorage for ships

coveSheltered coastal indentation
inletWater extending into land
gulfPartially enclosed sea

lagoon · fjord · bight · estuary · surround · envelop · encircle · encompass · embrace · confine

nautical

anchorage

Secure harbor spot

mooringVessel's secured resting place
berthSleeping space on transport
harborSafe anchorage for ships

maritime · nautical · sailing · navigation · windward · leeward · lee · becalmed · vessel · ship

refuge

haven

Shelter from danger

sanctuaryProtected sacred space
retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
anchorageSecure harbor spot

shelter · protection · asylum · hideaway · seclusion · mooring · berth · safehouse · windbreak · leeward

Opposites

nautical freedom/confinement

embayput to sea

Start an ocean journey

set sail · launch · free · liberate · release

spatial enclosure

Make known publicly

open out · unenclosed · release · spread out · disperse

Family

disembark, embayment, embayments, embayed

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