encompass

[en-kuhm-puhs]

verb (used with object)

1. to form a circle about; encircle; surround.

   He built a moat to encompass the castle.

2. to enclose; envelop.

   The folds of a great cloak encompassed her person.

3. to include comprehensively.

   a work that encompasses the entire range of the world's religious beliefs.

4. Obsolete.,  to outwit.

encompass

/ ɪnˈkʌmpəs /

verb

1. to enclose within a circle; surround

2. to bring about; cause to happen; contrive

   he encompassed the enemy's ruin

3. to include entirely or comprehensively

   this book encompasses the whole range of knowledge

Other Word Forms

• encompassment noun
• unencompassed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encompass¹

First recorded in 1545–55; en- ¹ + compass

Example Sentences

Their big tent encompasses not just international socialist and social democratic parties but also Greens, Liberals - and even some former Conservatives.

From BBC

"These incidents, though far from encompassing the full range of violence witnessed in the United States, illustrate a broader mindset that crosses the political spectrum and must be confronted," she wrote.

From BBC

Will Wadelton, the county supervisor for the area that encompasses the hospital, said the county doesn’t have the money to bail the hospital out.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's incredibly sad but at times, also humorous. I couldn't think of a more extreme example of someone whose life over the last 40 years has encompassed incredible upset, tragedy and emotion."

From BBC

But the psychologist knew that totalism encompasses more than authoritarian tendencies.

From Salon

Related Words

• comprise 
• cover 
• embody 
• embrace 
• incorporate 
• involve