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

Inside, massive, crumbling mosaics depicting Lenin, Marx, and Bulgarian workers encircle a vast auditorium.

From The Daily Beast

Some religious groups even plan to encircle the courthouse on Monday to pray.

From The Daily Beast

Wang's silver cuffs and earrings that encircle the ear, outfitted with dagger-like appendages, were far from demure.

From The Daily Beast

He reached far down into a trousers pocket and tugged to the light of day a roll that his fingers could not encircle.

From Project Gutenberg

They then spread out like a fan and began to encircle their antagonists, so as to attack on both sides at once.

From Project Gutenberg

He offered his hand, and after a moment's hesitation Koyala permitted his friendly clasp to encircle the tips of her fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked at this man, and a suffocating band seemed to encircle her throat.

From Project Gutenberg

The aged man raised a weak arm, to encircle the shoulders of his son.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• enclose
• encompass
• envelop
• hem in
• surround