envelopment

[ en-vel-uhp-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act of enveloping.
2. the state of being enveloped.
3. a wrapping or covering.
4. Military. an attack on an enemy's flank.

Other Words From

• preen·velop·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelopment¹

First recorded in 1755–65; envelop + -ment

Example Sentences

Enveloping attacks result in local frontal attacks; advantage of envelopment.

From Project Gutenberg

They performed an envelopment of the gentlemen and ladies, including the two young women.

From Project Gutenberg

The advantage of envelopment lies in the longer concentric line, with its preponderance of rifles and its converging fire.

From Project Gutenberg

An envelopment of both flanks should never be attempted without a very decided superiority in numbers.

From Project Gutenberg

This met and grew by the help of the cerebral moisture, and became the circular envelopment of the head.

From Project Gutenberg