enfold

American  

[en-fohld] / ɛnˈfoʊld /

verb (used with object)

1. to wrap up; envelop.

   to enfold someone in a cloak.

2. to surround as if with folds.

   He wished to enfold her in the warmth of his love. What happened is enfolded in mystery.

3. to hug or clasp; embrace.

   She enfolded him in her arms.

4. to form into a fold or folds.

   The material of the skirt had been enfolded to form a loose, graceful drape.

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enfold British  

/ ɪnˈfəʊld /

verb

1. to cover by enclosing

2. to embrace

3. to form with or as with folds

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Other Word Forms

• enfolder noun
• enfoldment noun

Etymology

Origin of enfold

First recorded in 1585–95; en- ¹ + fold ¹

Explanation

To enfold is to wrap, envelop, or surround. You might enfold a baby in a blanket, or enfold a puppy in your arms. When you enfold something, you either wrap it in a cloth or covering, or you mimic this action literally — with your arms — or figuratively. You could say, for example, that as you walk home at sunset, the night begins to enfold your neighborhood. Or you can say that you love when your grandma enfolds you in a hug. The verb enfold combines the prefix en-, "make or put in" with fold.

Example Sentences

George’s cluckingly affectionate aunt wants to enfold Hedda in a tradition that would consign her to the role of wife and mother.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Little did I know this decision would nearly get me arrested, set me on a path across two coasts, instigate community programming, and enfold kindred spirits near and far.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2023

When you see the power of love and people reaching out from their own pain, how that can really surround you and enfold you and help you.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2023

At one point Ms. Price recalls being entombed when the pyramid that was supposed to enfold her at the end of a scene got stuck in rehearsal.

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2017

A huge iridescent bubble seemed to enfold me.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison