enclose

[en-klohz]

verb (used with object)

enclosed, enclosing 

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

   a valley enclosed by tall mountains.

   Synonyms: girdle, ring, encompass, encompass, encircle

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

   to enclose land.

   Synonyms: girdle, ring, encompass, 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

Other Word Forms

• enclosable adjective
• encloser noun
• preenclose verb (used with object)
• reenclose verb (used with object)

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

Lakewood Center, one of the largest enclosed malls in Los Angeles County, spanning 2 million square feet, has been sold to developers who plan to transform it by adding housing, green spaces and entertainment venues.

From Los Angeles Times

Knowles said the Darden site will be safer because batteries will be in independent enclosures separated by open space outdoors, not stacked and placed in an enclosed building like they were in Moss Landing.

From Los Angeles Times

This was a repeated narrative of the enclosed space forcing them to pass each other by.

From Los Angeles Times

For many, the idea of hunkering down in a fire shelter for hours on end as flames enclose on all sides is hard to stomach.

From Los Angeles Times

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is played on a smaller enclosed court, and is designed to be more accessible and sociable than traditional tennis.

From BBC

Related Words

• block off www.thesaurus.com
• encase 
• encircle 
• encompass 
• insert 
• wrap