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encompass

[ en-kuhm-puhs ]
/ ɛnˈkʌm pəs /
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See synonyms for: encompass / encompassed / encompasses / encompassing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
to form a circle about; encircle; surround: He built a moat to encompass the castle.
to enclose; envelop: The folds of a great cloak encompassed her person.
to include comprehensively: a work that encompasses the entire range of the world's religious beliefs.
Obsolete. to outwit.
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Origin of encompass

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

OTHER WORDS FROM encompass

en·com·pass·ment, nounun·en·com·passed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use encompass in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for encompass

encompass
/ (ɪnˈkʌmpəs) /

verb (tr)
to enclose within a circle; surround
to bring about; cause to happen; contrivehe encompassed the enemy's ruin
to include entirely or comprehensivelythis book encompasses the whole range of knowledge

Derived forms of encompass

encompassment, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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