encircle

[ en-sur-kuhl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·cir·cled, en·cir·cling.

1. to form a circle around; surround; encompass:

   to encircle an enemy.

2. to make a circling movement around; make the circuit of.

encircle

/ ɪnˈsɜːkəl /

verb

1. tr to form a circle around; enclose within a circle; surround

Derived Forms

• enˈcirclement, noun
• enˈcircling, adjective

Other Words From

• en·circle·ment noun
• unen·circled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encircle¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; en- ¹, circle

Example Sentences

But the front line creeps ever closer, with Russia also threatening to encircle defenders from the north and west.

From BBC

"Match day was almost a day when curfew would encircle the family and you had to make sure everyone was home, because there was such a lot of anger and violence," Dr Puwar remembers.

From BBC

At one point, Ohtani mischievously sneaked up on Friedman as he was encircled by reporters and sprayed champagne in his face.

From Los Angeles Times

China held a live-firing exercise from its territory closest to Taiwan one week after it launched a large-scale drill encircling the island.

From BBC

Together with other bases further north, it could be seen as an attempt by China to encircle the long Vietnamese coast.

From BBC

Related Words

• enclose
• encompass
• envelop
• hem in
• surround