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.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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. 2022

How to use encompass in a sentence

While the group started in hip-hop, their music encompassed different genres, Herman said, and incorporated a vision for the world to be a better place.
For fans of BTS, the only thing better than the group is each other|Marian Liu|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
For the aspens are alive—they are, in the case of Kebler Pass, a vast encompassing life.
On Sleeping in the Largest Organism on Earth|Leath Tonino|November 19, 2020|Outside Online
The list of recommendations that can be auto-applied is lengthy — encompassing everything from ads and extensions, bids, keywords and targeting, repairs and new features.
Google’s Auto Applied Recommendations catch advertisers, agencies off guard|Ginny Marvin|November 17, 2020|Search Engine Land
Metzger wouldn’t have had a chance in the Republican primary for the 43rd District, which encompassed southern Orange County, Imperial County, and a big chunk of North County from Oceanside and Carlsbad to Escondido and Valley Center.
Politics Report: Gloria Goes Business With New Team|Scott Lewis and Andrew Keatts|November 14, 2020|Voice of San Diego

Methodist also expanded its charity care policy to encompass more than 50% of area residents and raised the pay of its lowest-paid employees.
Two ProPublica Projects Win Loeb Awards|by ProPublica|November 13, 2020|ProPublica
Not literally, but that was the impression I got; the hug was all-encompassing compassion, forgiveness and acceptance.
Patted Down by India’s Hugging Saint|Daniel Genis|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Heroin users describe the high as a feeling of all-encompassing well being.
Hallucinating Away a Heroin Addiction|Abby Haglage|May 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead, he prefers to avoid that all-encompassing, data-friendly approach and go from the gut.
David Simon Says ‘The Wire’ Wouldn’t Survive on TV Today|Alex Suskind|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And that really encapsulates the pure spirit of all Icelanders: an all-encompassing passion that permeates everything they do.
Iceland Is Beautiful. And Sooo Weird.|Kevin Fallon|April 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Don meets Joy on a California business trip in Season 2, and they embark on an extremely brief, sunny, all-encompassing affair.
Every Woman Don Draper’s Hooked Up With on ‘Mad Men’|Amy Zimmerman|April 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Many a village was recognizable from the encompassing waste only by the sign-board stuck in a mound announcing its name.
War in the Garden of Eden|Kermit Roosevelt
The Church might have to resist unto blood in striving against the encompassing sin.
The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews|Thomas Charles Edwards
Down he sank, slowly and gradually, till he was up to his waist in the relentless and encompassing sands.
The Dare Boys in Virginia|Stephen Angus Cox
For already the great silence of the darkness beyond was flowing out to Isaacson, was encompassing him about.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens
Between the two walls is a ditch, as likewise is another encompassing the outermost wall.
Early Travels in Palestine|Arculf et al.

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

encompass

Origin of encompass

OTHER WORDS FROM encompass

Words related to encompass

How to use encompass in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for encompass

Derived forms of encompass