enclose

American  

[en-klohz] / ɛnˈkloʊz /

verb (used with object)

enclosed, enclosing

1. to shut or hem in; close in on all sides.

   a valley enclosed by tall mountains.

   Synonyms:

   girdle, ring, encompass, encompass, encircle

2. to surround, as with a fence or wall.

   to enclose land.

   Synonyms:

   girdle, ring, encompass, encompass, encircle

3. to insert in the same envelope, package, or the like.

   He enclosed a check.

   A book was sent with the bill enclosed.

4. to hold or contain.

   His letter enclosed a check.

5. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. to restrict to the enclosure of a monastery or convent.

   2. (of a monastery, convent, church, etc.) to establish or fix the boundary of an enclosure.

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enclose British  

/ ɪnˈkləʊz /

verb

1. to close; hem in; surround

2. to surround (land) with or as if with a fence

3. to put in an envelope or wrapper, esp together with a letter

4. to contain or hold

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Other Word Forms

• enclosable adjective
• encloser noun
• preenclose verb (used with object)
• reenclose verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of enclose

First recorded in 1275–1325, enclose is from the Middle English word enclosen, inclosen. See in- ¹, close

Example Sentences

At last it seemed as though they were enclosed in a still, secret world.

From Literature

After speaking to the couple, the deputy made his way up a narrow, poorly lighted driveway that was 96 feet long and enclosed by fencing and a residential wall, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

“I can handle a brief interaction with a cat, but once it’s more than 45 minutes in an enclosed space, I start to experience an allergic reaction.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The eventual artwork, 25 metres by 25 metres and enclosed by a wall, will be filled with stones from these graveyards.

From BBC

I enclosed it in my palm, a warm feeling spreading over me.

From Literature

Related Words

• block off
• encase
• encircle
• encompass
• insert
• wrap