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

These fisheries rely on purse-seine nets, a method that captures schooling fish by encircling them with a large wall of netting.

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In early April, 1992, Bosnian Serb forces encircled Sarajevo, starting what would become the most prolonged siege in modern European history.

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The singer's four-octave vocal range is represented by a musical stave encircling the coin from bass to treble, while a studded armband etched along the edge pays tribute to his iconic Live Aid outfit.

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Ukraine's 7th Airborne Assault Corps says weather conditions, particularly dense fog, have prompted Moscow to intensify its bid to get increasing numbers into the ruined city and encircle Ukrainian forces.

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By early October the ring completely surrounded the city - with a smaller barricade encircling a neighbouring village.

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Related Words

• enclose 
• encompass 
• envelop 
• surround