encircle

[en-sur-kuhl]

verb (used with object)

encircled, encircling 

1. to form a circle around; surround; encompass.

   to encircle an enemy.

2. to make a circling movement around; make the circuit of.

encircle

/ ɪnˈsɜːkəl /

verb

1. (tr) to form a circle around; enclose within a circle; surround

Other Word Forms

• encirclement noun
• encircling adjective
• unencircled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encircle¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; en- ¹, circle

Example Sentences

"Look at how China keeps surrounding us," he says, pointing out how China has been holding drills to encircle Taiwan with warships.

From BBC

The casualties are from fighting in Pokrovsk, a city that Russia has been trying to seize for a year, and is now partially encircled.

From BBC

Steven Parkinson had just begun work in January installing new equipment at Scotts Park in Wooler, a town encircled by the rolling Cheviot Hills.

From BBC

He is reported to have presented an alternative plan involving encircling remaining Hamas strongholds rather than full occupation.

From BBC

The company hired a skywriter to craft encircled 4’s in the sky near downtown Los Angeles on the day of the premiere and featured a drone show outside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion after the showing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enclose 
• encompass 
• envelop 
• surround