encompass

American  

[en-kuhm-puhs] / ɛnˈkʌm pəs /

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.

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encompass British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• encompassment noun
• unencompassed adjective

Etymology

Origin of encompass

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

Example Sentences

APA funding is awarded based on a grading system, with Grade A denoting the higher-end established athletes and Grade E encompassing up-and-coming prospects.

From BBC

A broad investment strategy encompassing infrastructure across developed markets can offer U.S. investors a way to ride along with economic trends at a discount to the price/earnings valuation of the S&P 500.

From MarketWatch

Because police have a monopoly on violence in their communities, the stakes of technological misuse can encompass life and death.

From Salon

“Shrinking” encompasses all this within digestible, easily repeatable therapy sessions.

From Salon

The memorial, known locally as George Floyd Square, encompasses a nearby covered bus stop, where a visitor had written that “race is a made up idea to keep ppl down.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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