Wrapping or enclosing something in a protective layer like a cocoon; the act of creating a secure, isolated, or comfortable environment.
From 'cocoon' (as a verb) plus the gerund suffix '-ing'. The term evolved in the late 20th century to describe both literal wrapping and the social behavior of retreating from public life.
Sociologists use 'cocooning' to describe when people withdraw from public spaces and create insular home environments—it accelerated dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and might be permanently changing how we think about work and socializing.
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