enclose

[ en-klohz ]

verb (used with object)

, en·closed, en·clos·ing.

1. to shut or hem in; close in on all sides:

   a valley enclosed by tall mountains.

   Synonyms: girdle, ring, encompass, encircle

2. to surround, as with a fence or wall:

   to enclose land.

   Synonyms: girdle, ring, encompass, encircle

3. to insert in the same envelope, package, or the like:

   He enclosed a check.

   A book was sent with the bill enclosed.

4. to hold or contain:

   His letter enclosed a check.

5. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. to restrict to the enclosure of a monastery or convent.
   2. (of a monastery, convent, church, etc.) to establish or fix the boundary of an enclosure.

enclose

/ ɪnˈkləʊz /

verb

1. to close; hem in; surround
2. to surround (land) with or as if with a fence
3. to put in an envelope or wrapper, esp together with a letter
4. to contain or hold

Derived Forms

• enˈclosable, adjective
• enˈcloser, noun

Other Words From

• en·clos·a·ble adjective
• en·clos·er noun
• pre·en·close verb (used with object) preenclosed preenclosing
• re·en·close verb (used with object) reenclosed reenclosing

Word History and Origins

Origin of enclose¹

First recorded in 1275–1325, enclose is from the Middle English word enclosen, inclosen. See in- ¹, close

Example Sentences

If you see “final notice,” “urgent” or “benefit disbursement enclosed,” don’t even bother opening the envelope.

From Los Angeles Times

Imagine cohabitating with eight other people in an enclosed area the size of a large airplane.

From Salon

"I don’t like going into enclosed spaces, into buildings. It's affected my whole life."

From BBC

For example, they are enclosing batteries in thicker cases and increasing the space between batteries to lower the risk of fires spreading, Rezende said.

From Los Angeles Times

Riders will occupy enclosed gondolas that will provide views of the working port, the USS Iowa battleship, the Vincent Thomas Bridge and passing cruise ships.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• block off
• encase
• encircle
• encompass
• hem in
• insert
• wrap