Synonyms

encircle

American

[en-sur-kuhl] / ɛnˈsɜr kəl /

verb (used with object)

encircled, encircling

to form a circle around; surround; encompass.

to encircle an enemy.
to make a circling movement around; make the circuit of.

encircle British

/ ɪnˈsɜːkəl /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

encirclement noun
encircling adjective
unencircled adjective

Etymology

Origin of encircle

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

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.

Papa stood beside her, an arm encircling her, gripping her shoulder, his face grey.

From Literature

In a dash of added celebrity for the pro-Claude camp, pop star Katy Perry posted a screenshot of her new subscription to the Claude Pro plan, encircled with a drawing of a heart.

From The Wall Street Journal

Twenty platforms encircled the room, each with their own set of equipment and computers.

From Literature

The Advance was encircled by ice floes in Smith Sound north of Baffin Bay.

From Literature

But he grinned a very big grin anyway, because in a short while, he would be encircled by his friends, telling them an interesting story and eating blackberry Snow Delights.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023