encompass

[en-kuhm-puh s]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR encompass 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.

Origin of encompass

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

Related formsen·com·pass·ment, nounun·en·com·passed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for encompassment

involvement, incorporation, formation, admittance, creation, success, effort, accomplishment, attainment, victory, realization, performance, deed, feat, triumph, personification, archetype, symbol, apotheosis, exemplar

Examples from the Web for encompassment

Historical Examples of encompassment

But her encompassment, as is so apt to be the case here, was pitiably mediocre.
The Adventures of a Widow
Edgar Fawcett
But mystery I then accepted as the only complement, the encompassment, of what we know of our life.
Heart of Man
George Edward Woodberry

British Dictionary definitions for encompassment

encompass

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 Formsencompassment, 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

Word Origin and History for encompassment

encompass

1550s, from en- (1) "make, put in" + compass. Related: Encompassed; encompasses; encompassing.