encircle

[en-sur-kuhl]

verb (used with object)

encircled, encircling 

1. to form a circle around; surround; encompass.

   to encircle an enemy.

2. to make a circling movement around; make the circuit of.

encircle

/ ɪnˈsɜːkəl /

verb

1. (tr) to form a circle around; enclose within a circle; surround

Other Word Forms

• encirclement noun
• encircling adjective
• unencircled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encircle¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; en- ¹, circle

Example Sentences

A recent post featured medieval knights wearing chain mail and helmets and wielding longswords as they encircle the slogan “The Enemies are at the Gates” above ICE’s job listing website.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Security forces launched a "large-scale operation" after encircling the camp "with the aim of handing over French members wanted by their government", said Rami Abdul Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

Read more on Barron's

Since 2019, it has expanded its attacks from northern Burkina Faso and now encircles Ouagadougou, threatening links with neighbouring Ivory Coast, Togo and Mali.

Read more on Barron's

Beijing launched military drills around Taiwan after Lai's National Day speech last year, sending planes and ships to encircle the island.

Read more on Barron's

“But the pains weren’t gone in two days; they were worse, and grew worse still, as if something inside her were encircled by a wire being drawn tighter and tighter to cut it in two.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• enclose 
• encompass 
• envelop 
• surround