envelop

[ verb en-vel-uhp; noun en-vel-uhp, en-vuh-luhp, ahn- ]

verb (used with object)

, en·vel·oped, en·vel·op·ing.

1. to wrap up in or as in a covering:

   The long cloak she was wearing enveloped her completely.

   Synonyms: conceal, hide, cover, enfold

2. to serve as a wrapping or covering for, as a membrane of an organ or a sheath.
3. to surround entirely.

   Synonyms: enclose, encompass

4. Military. to attack (an enemy's flank).

noun

1. envelope.

envelop

/ ɪnˈvɛləp /

verb

1. to wrap or enclose in or as if in a covering
2. to conceal or obscure, as from sight or understanding

   a plan enveloped in mystery

3. to surround or partially surround (an enemy force)

Derived Forms

• enˈvelopment, noun

Other Words From

• en·velop·er noun
• preen·velop verb (used with object)
• unen·veloped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelop¹

1350–1400; Middle English envolupen < Old French envoluper, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + voloper to envelop, of obscure origin; compare Old Provençal ( en ) volopar, Italian inviluppare to envelop, Italian viluppo tuft, bundle, confusion, referred to Medieval Latin faluppa chaff, wisp of straw, perhaps influenced by the descendants of Latin volvere to roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelop¹

C14: from Old French envoluper, from en- ¹+ voluper, voloper, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Then the smoke and fog start to envelop you and the city around you.

From BBC

The conflict threatens to deepen and envelop the region.

From BBC

The caption on both social media platforms reads: "Infused with notes of buttery dough, salt and a hint of sweetness, Knead transforms the iconic aroma you love into a wearable scent. One spritz is all it takes to envelop you in the nostalgic embrace of freshly baked pretzels. Surrender to the smell."

From Salon

Labour’s Nick Thomas criticised the plan as an "ill thought-out, back of the envelop policy" which "raids the Shared Prosperity plan".

From BBC

The return of “Fantasmic!,” however, will further the impression that all of Disneyland is a stage, a place where not only guests can play at heightened versions of themselves but the park can also spring to life and envelop us in stories.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blanket
• drape
• encircle
• enclose
• encompass
• enfold
• engulf
• obscure
• shroud
• surround
• swaddle
• swathe
• wrap