Encirclement: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄

Add to dictionary

encirclement

[ɪnˈsəːklm(ə)nt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

military strategy

The action of surrounding or enclosing a place or enemy forces, typically for a military purpose.

Synonyms

enclosing, enclosure, surrounding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
encirclement	This term is often used in military or strategic situations, where troops or forces are trapped by an enemy. The army's encirclement of the city was complete. The general ordered an encirclement maneuver to trap the enemy forces.
surrounding	This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from describing physical surroundings to abstract conditions. We enjoyed the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside. The police are currently investigating the surrounding circumstances of the incident.
enclosure	Commonly used when referring to something that is surrounded by a barrier or boundary, often in reference to a physical space. The zoo's lion enclosure was designed to mimic their natural habitat. Please find an enclosure with all the necessary documents.
enclosing	Mostly used to describe the act of putting something inside a boundary or covering, often within a container or area. The garden was created by enclosing a small section of the yard with a fence. He is enclosing a letter of recommendation with his job application.

Examples of usage

The encirclement of the enemy stronghold was a key part of the battle plan.
The successful encirclement of the city led to the surrender of the opposing forces.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The act of forming a circle or ring around something.

Synonyms

enclosing, enclosure, surrounding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
encirclement	Commonly used in military or strategic contexts to describe the action of completely surrounding an enemy or object. The general's strategy led to the encirclement of the enemy forces.
enclosing	Used to describe the action of putting something inside an enclosed space or area, often in a physical or literal sense. She was enclosing the documents in an envelope for safety. The garden is enclosed by a tall fence.
surrounding	Describes something that is all around a particular area; often used in everyday situations to talk about the environment or scenery. They admired the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The surrounding towns were also affected by the storm.
enclosure	Refers to a space that is surrounded by a barrier; can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses. The animals were kept in a secure enclosure at the zoo. The enclosure of the private property was marked by a high wall.

Examples of usage

The encirclement of the campfire by the scouts created a cozy atmosphere.
The encirclement of the garden with flowers enhanced its beauty.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'circulare', meaning to make a circle or encircle.
In English, the term emerged in the late 19th century, initially used in military strategy contexts.

Military History

Encirclement has been a key tactic in warfare, designed to cut off enemy supply lines and movement.
One of the most famous instances was the encirclement of the German 6th Army at Stalingrad during World War II, which led to a significant defeat.

Cultural Symbolism

Encirclement can symbolize unity and protection in various cultures, such as the circle in Native American rituals representing wholeness.
In literature, the motif of encirclement often reflects themes of entrapment or inevitability, enhancing the emotional depth.

Psychology

People may feel a sense of encirclement in social situations, feeling overwhelmed or pressured by the presence of others.
Encirclement in a psychological context can also denote feelings of being trapped in circumstances, often explored in therapy.

Geography

Encirclement can also refer to natural landscapes, such as mountains encircling a valley, impacting climate and flora.
Cities can be encircled by rivers or highways, influencing their growth patterns and urban development.

Translations

Translations of the word "encirclement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cerco

🇮🇳 घेराबंदी

🇩🇪 Einkreisung

🇮🇩 pengepungan

🇺🇦 оточення

🇵🇱 okrążenie

🇯🇵 包囲

🇫🇷 encerclement

🇪🇸 cerco

🇹🇷 kuşatma

🇰🇷 포위

🇸🇦 تطويق

🇨🇿 obklíčení

🇸🇰 obkľúčenie

🇨🇳 包围

🇸🇮 obkolitev

🇮🇸 umkring

🇰🇿 қоршау

🇬🇪 შემორტყმა

🇦🇿 mühasirə

🇲🇽 cerco

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,122, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28119 trekking
28120 standpipe
28121 atomized
28122 encirclement
28123 opinionated
28124 sneaky
28125 bucolic
...