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

In writing the show, Taub tried to create a musical that encompassed more than just the specific feminist concerns of its main storyline.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The National Weather Service office in Oxnard has also issued beach hazard warnings — an label encompassing a variety of dangerous conditions — in southwestern Santa Barbara County and coastal areas of San Diego and Orange County.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The warnings encompass areas near the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Sunset and Hurst fires that burned in January, as well as the Airport fire that burned a year ago in Orange County.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

England's current run of nine games is one shy of the record set by Spain, whose streak encompassed qualifying for Euro 2016 and their first two fixtures of that tournament.

Read more on BBC

Critics argue that Congress’s statute defining “the day for the election” encompasses both casting and receiving ballots—and that history and precedent back this up.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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