Encircle: meaning, definitions and examples

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encircle

[ ɪnˈsɜːrkl ]

^{Context #1}

in geometry

To draw a circle around something or someone.

Synonyms

enclose, encompass, surround

Examples of usage

The students were asked to encircle the correct answers on their test papers.
The map had a red line encircling the designated area.

^{Context #2}

figuratively

To surround or confine.

Synonyms

enclose, envelop, surround

Examples of usage

The feeling of loneliness encircled her heart.
The city was encircled by enemy forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "encircle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cercar

🇮🇳 घेरना

🇩🇪 umkreisen

🇮🇩 mengelilingi

🇺🇦 оточувати

🇵🇱 otaczać

🇯🇵 囲む (かこむ)

🇫🇷 encercler

🇪🇸 rodear

🇹🇷 çevrelemek

🇰🇷 둘러싸다

🇸🇦 يحيط

🇨🇿 obklíčit

🇸🇰 obkolesiť

🇨🇳 环绕 (huánrào)

🇸🇮 obkrožiti

🇮🇸 umkringja

🇰🇿 қоршау

🇬🇪 შემორაგვა

🇦🇿 əhatə etmək

🇲🇽 rodear

Word origin

The word 'encircle' originated from the combination of the prefix 'en-' meaning 'around' or 'in' and the word 'circle', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'circulus', meaning 'small ring'. The concept of encircling has been used throughout history in various contexts, from physical acts of drawing circles to symbolic representations of containment and influence.

See also: circlets, circularity, encircling.