Encircle: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when something or someone is being completely circled by something else, often with intent or purpose. It is common in tactical, military, or strategic contexts.

• The troops aimed to encircle the enemy
• The garden was encircled by a low stone wall

This word is suitable for general use when something is on all sides of something else. It can refer to people, objects, or even abstract situations and feelings.

• Trees surround the lake
• She felt as though problems were surrounding her

This word is appropriate when something is being put or kept inside another place, often implying protection or containment. It is frequently used in contexts like packaging, letters, or small confined areas.

• Please enclose the payment with your letter
• The garden is enclosed by a wooden fence

Use this word when referring to something that includes or surrounds a wide range of elements or areas. It's often used in an abstract or conceptual sense.

• Her interests encompass both science and the arts
• The study encompasses several different fields

Use 'encircle' when describing the act of forming a circle around something, often in military, strategic, or protective contexts.

• The army encircled the enemy base to cut off their supplies.
• Fans encircled the stage, hoping to catch a glimpse of the performer.

Use 'surround' broadly to describe something being all around another thing, not necessarily in a circular manner. It can also indicate being enclosed visually or physically.

• Tall trees surround the house, providing privacy and shade.
• The police surrounded the building, ensuring no one could escape.

Use 'envelop' to describe something that completely covers, surrounds, or wraps around another thing, often creating a sense of engulfing or covering.

• The fog enveloped the city, making it difficult to see anything.
• She was enveloped in a warm blanket on a cold night.

Use 'enclose' when you want to describe something being surrounded or secured on all sides, often referring to physical boundaries or including documents inside an envelope.

• The garden is enclosed by a high fence to keep out the deer.
• Please enclose a copy of your passport with the application.