Encircling: meaning, definitions and examples

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encircling

[ ɪnˈsɜːklɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

in geometry

The act of drawing a circle, ellipse, or other shape around another shape, object, or area.

Synonyms

enclosing, encompassing, surrounding

Examples of usage

The encircling of the Earth by the moon's orbit is a fascinating astronomical phenomenon.
The encircling of the castle by a high stone wall provided protection against invaders.

^{Context #2}

figurative

The act of surrounding or enclosing someone or something, often in a symbolic or metaphorical sense.

Synonyms

encompassing, enveloping, surrounding

Examples of usage

The encircling of the city by protesters was a powerful statement against government corruption.
The encircling of the garden with a fence kept the deer from eating the plants.

^{Context #3}

literal

To form a circle, loop, or ring around someone or something.

Synonyms

enclose, envelop, surround

Examples of usage

The dancers encircled the bonfire, holding hands and moving in a rhythmic pattern.
The police encircled the building to prevent anyone from escaping.

Translations

Translations of the word "encircling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cercando

🇮🇳 घेरना

🇩🇪 umkreisen

🇮🇩 mengelilingi

🇺🇦 оточення

🇵🇱 okrążenie

🇯🇵 囲む

🇫🇷 encercler

🇪🇸 rodeando

🇹🇷 kuşatma

🇰🇷 둘러싸기

🇸🇦 تطويق

🇨🇿 obkličování

🇸🇰 obkľúčenie

🇨🇳 包围

🇸🇮 obkrožanje

🇮🇸 umkringja

🇰🇿 қоршау

🇬🇪 შემოწერილი

🇦🇿 əhatə

🇲🇽 rodeando

Word origin

The word 'encircling' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'en-' meaning 'in' or 'around' and the word 'circle'. It dates back to the late 16th century and has been used in various contexts to describe the act of forming a circle or surrounding someone or something.

See also: circlets, circularity, encircle.