閉じ込める ― pen

"pen"は、筆記用具のペンのことだと誰もがまず思い浮かべると思いますが、意外にも・・・

閉じ込める、監禁する、

という意味の動詞、並びに、

檻や（監禁や保護のために使われる）囲い

という意味の名詞があります。

これを知らないと、下記の記事がチンプンカンプンです。


Autistic children put in cage

A SCHOOL that pens children with autism in a fenced area may be breaching human rights.

Parents with children at Seven Hills West Public School are angry that pupils with special needs are placed inside a fenced enclosure that has one tree, a bench and a dirt floor.

But the NSW Department of Education has defended the enclosure, saying it is used for new students with disabilities if they require more intense supervision while they adjust to school.

The school has 52 students with special needs.
(News.com.au. March 11, 2010.)


上記は動詞の用例です。同じ話題についての他紙の記事では、名詞の用例が見られます。


Autistic children placed in 'pen' during school playtime

The New South Wales (NSW) education department confirmed that students with special needs at Seven Hills West Public School were put into a fenced off area while other students spent their breaks in a larger playground.

The pen was reported to have just one tree, one bench and no grass.
The NSW opposition Liberal Party said separating autistic children was inhumane and "outrageous".
(The Daily Telegraph. March 11, 2010.)


ちなみに、


刑務所
監獄
留置場


という意味も持つ名詞も辞書のエントリにありますが、これはアメリカ、カナダにおける俗語で、"penitentiary"の省略形が、上記の"pen"と相俟って生まれたもののようです。