verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
encirclesimple
-
encirclessimple
-
have encircledperfect
-
has encircledperfect
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am encirclingprogressive
-
are encirclingprogressive
-
is encirclingprogressive
-
have been encirclingperfect progressive
-
has been encirclingperfect progressive
Past
-
encircledsimple
-
had encircledperfect
-
was encirclingprogressive
-
were encirclingprogressive
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had been encirclingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of encircle
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at en- 1, circle
Explanation
To encircle is to surround, or to make a circle around. On the last night of summer camp, the counselors and campers traditionally encircle the campfire and sing songs. Prisons are encircled by barbed wire fences, and hot, damp pavement encircles most public swimming pools. When you hug your little sister, you encircle her with your arms. If your tomato plants are growing too tall and flopping over, you should encircle them with twine to hold them up. Encircle adds the prefix en-, "make or put in" to circle, from its Latin root circus, or "ring."
Vocabulary lists containing encircle
Florida's B.E.S.T Roots: circ, circum
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"Novio Boy: Scene 7, Part 2" and "Your World"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Giving Grace Church was formed in July 2016, while Encircle was formed in March 2017.
From Salon • Sep. 3, 2021
Kate Spade New York Loves Me Knot Mini Pendant Necklace Encircle her with your love in the form of a sweet, simple knotted heart suspended from a delicate chain.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2021
Encircle these servants with the glances of Thy providence.
From The Promulgation of Universal Peace by `Abdu'l-Bahá
Encircle to the right with three walking steps.
From Dramatized Rhythm Plays Mother Goose and Traditional by Richards, John N.
Encircle to the left with three walking steps.
From Dramatized Rhythm Plays Mother Goose and Traditional by Richards, John N.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
