environ

¹

[ en-vahy-ruhn, -vahy-ern ]

verb (used with object)

1. to form a circle or ring round; surround; envelop:

   a house environed by pleasant grounds; to be environed by bad influences.

environ.

²

abbreviation for

1. environment.
2. environmental.
3. environmentalism.
4. environmentalist.

environ

/ ɪnˈvaɪrən /

verb

1. tr to encircle or surround

Other Words From

• unen·vironed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of environ¹

1300–50; Middle English envirounen < Old French environner, derivative of environ around ( en en- ¹ + viron a circle; vir ( er ) to turn, veer ¹ + -on noun suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of environ¹

C14: from Old French environner to surround, from environ around, from en- ¹+ viron a circle, from virer to turn, veer ¹

Example Sentences

Most stories about immigrants adjusting to America take place in cities, environs where a newcomer may already have family or friends, or at least be able to find a community.

From Time

I have been accustomed to guide myself through worse dangers than now environ me.

From Project Gutenberg

The next important thing is to observe how the poet is going to locate, and environ this negative world.

From Project Gutenberg

Il y a environ une lieue de la porte de Terre ces vnrables restes de l'antiquit.

From Project Gutenberg

Roman generals still might lead them, Roman laws environ them, Roman gold employ them.

From Project Gutenberg

On deck there is an inclination to move quietly, to preserve a silence in keeping with the weird spell that seems to environ us.

From Project Gutenberg