Compassed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'compassed' comes from the Old French 'compasser,' which means to measure or to complete a circle.
• It shares roots with the Latin word 'compassare,' composed of 'com-' (together) and 'passare' (to step or move) – suggesting the idea of surrounding or moving around something.

Literature

• In literature, to be 'compassed' often symbolizes being enclosed in one’s own thoughts or emotions.
• Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne have used the word in ways that evoke feelings of entrapment or totality in their characters' experiences.

Geography

• In geographical contexts, 'compassed' can refer to an area that is fully explored or surrounded by terrains like mountains or rivers.
• Historically, explorers used compasses to navigate and understand the extents of new territories, which often led to their emotional journeys.

Psychology

• In a psychological sense, feeling 'compassed' by stress can indicate that a person feels both surrounded and overwhelmed by their problems.
• Therapeutically, recognizing feelings of being compassed can lead to strategies for finding new paths out of challenging situations.

Art

• Artists use the concept of 'compassed' in their work by creating enclosed spaces that invite viewer interaction and personal interpretation.
• The circle is a common motif in art, representing wholeness and the process of being enveloped, which can create a compelling emotional response.