Pronunciation: [kˈuːps ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "coops up" is spelled with two O's. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /u/, as in the word "moon." The second syllable is pronounced with a long O sound, as in the word "hope." When written in IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be spelled /kupz ʌp/. This phrase means to confine or restrict someone or something. It can also be used to describe the act of keeping someone or something in isolation.
The phrase "coops up" is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to confining someone or something within a limited or restricted space. It can also imply the act of isolating or restraining individuals, often against their will or natural desires.
In a literal sense, "cooping up" can involve confining animals in a coop or enclosure, such as chickens being kept in a coop. It restricts their movement and freedom to roam, protecting them from potential dangers while also creating a controlled environment for caretakers to manage their feeding and behavior.
Figuratively, "cooping up" describes the act of confining people, emotions, or ideas within confined spaces, both physical and psychological. For instance, someone who is cooped up at home may feel isolated, trapped, or limited in their ability to interact with others or engage in activities outside. Similarly, emotions that are cooped up are often suppressed or held back, causing internal tension and potential negative consequences on mental well-being.
The phrase can also emphasize a sense of feeling stifled or restricted due to external circumstances. When personal desires, ambitions, or potential are cooped up, it implies that they are hindered or kept from flourishing due to various constraints or limitations imposed by factors such as societal norms, lack of opportunities, or personal choices.
Overall, "coops up" refers to the confinement, restriction, or isolation of someone or something, either physically or metaphorically, limiting their freedom, growth, or expression.
The word "coops up" is a phrasal verb, which consists of the verb "coop" and the particle "up".
- "Coop" derives from the Middle English word "kupe" or "cope", which originally meant a "cage" or "pen" for confining poultry or small animals. This term came from the Old English word "copp", meaning "a container made of wooden staves" or "a small vessel". The root of "coop" can be traced back to the Medieval Latin word "coppa", which referred to a tube or barrel.
- The particle "up" is a common adverbial particle used in phrasal verbs to indicate a direction or completion of an action. In the case of "coops up", it suggests the action of enclosing or confining something or someone.
