environ

¹ American  

[en-vahy-ruhn, -vahy-ern] / ɛnˈvaɪ rən, -ˈvaɪ ərn /

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.

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environ. ² American  

abbreviation

1. environment.

2. environmental.

3. environmentalism.

4. environmentalist.

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environ British  

/ ɪnˈvaɪrən /

verb

1. (tr) to encircle or surround

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Other Word Forms

• unenvironed adjective

Etymology

Origin of environ

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)

Example Sentences

The Beach Boys song remains familiar and hummable, but not overly so; it’s warm and inviting, even as it picks up in cadence and transports you to a smooth new environ.

From Washington Post • Dec. 29, 2021

Wouldn't they be more at home in a more rural environ?

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2018

As part of this environ, 5 to 7 percent of the faculty and about 5 percent of the staff is volunteers performing service.

From Slate • Jul. 15, 2015

On a gray night, with smoke rising from the manholes, the environ looked film-noir-esque from the window view.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2015

Obey the "Breezy call of incense-breathing morn," and she will environ you with a joyous band of blooming Hours, and guide you gaily and lightly towards sparkling waters, whose properties are Knowledge and Health!

From The American Gentleman's Guide to Politeness and Fashion or, Familiar Letters to his Nephews by Lunettes, Henry