enclose

[en-klohz]

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.

enclose

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of enclose¹

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

Example Sentences

“Whether on the expansive seaside deck, the private rooftop patio, or by the fireplace of a central enclosed courtyard, the ocean breeze floats throughout the home with ease,” the description adds.

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Riverchase Galleria, Alabama’s largest enclosed shopping center, is a huge regional draw.

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The berm further enclosed the city, cutting off people from food and other lifesaving supplies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There are also enclosed habitats with species including tarantulas.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The East Wing is connected to the Executive Residence by the East Colonnade, which was enclosed in 1942 by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• block off www.thesaurus.com
• encase 
• encircle 
• encompass 
• insert 
• wrap