encapsulate

[en-kap-suh-leyt, -syoo-]

verb (used with object)

encapsulated, encapsulating 

1. to place in or as if in a capsule.

2. to summarize or condense.

verb (used without object)

encapsulated, encapsulating 

1. to become enclosed in or as if in a capsule.

encapsulate

/ ɪnˈkæpsjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to enclose or be enclosed in or as if in a capsule

2. (tr) to sum up in a short or concise form; condense; abridge

Other Word Forms

• encapsulation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of encapsulate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; en- ¹ + capsulate

Example Sentences

Though Norman is Australia’s most famous golfer, he credits his Finnish roots for instilling him with sisu, a term that encapsulates stubborn resilience.

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Shohei Ohtani was awarded his fourth MVP award on Thursday, but the designation fails to encapsulate his influence on the team that employs him and the league in which he plays.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ohtani was awarded his fourth most valuable player award on Thursday, but the designation fails to encapsulate his influence on the team that employs him and the league in which he plays.

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“Ken Burns could make a 10-hour documentary to encapsulate all the nuances of this incredible story,” says Ross.

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The dueling proposals encapsulate a long-running and contentious struggle that has fractured relationships, prompted court battles and sparked feuds among millionaires and billionaires.

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Related Words

• sum up 
• summarize 

When To Use

What does encapsulate mean?

To encapsulate figuratively means to summarize or condense, as in Rhia encapsulated the three-hour lecture into a 20-minute video.When you encapsulate something, you can still see the clear vision of what is being summarized but in a shorter time or with less effort. Movie trailers should encapsulate the movie (without giving away the ending, thank you very much). And when you use multiple skills to create something, such as a product, you could that product encapsulates your talents.To encapsulate literally means to place in a capsule or as if in a capsule, such as a dose of medicine placed inside a gelatinous case.Example: This interview really encapsulates the feelings that most of our patients have toward the new treatment.