environ

¹ American  

[en-vahy-ruhn, -vahy-ern] / ɛnˈvaɪ rən, -ˈvaɪ ərn /

verb (used with object)

1. to form a circle or ring round; surround; envelop.

   a house environed by pleasant grounds; to be environed by bad influences.

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environ. ² American  

abbreviation

1. environment.

2. environmental.

3. environmentalism.

4. environmentalist.

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environ British  

/ ɪnˈvaɪrən /

verb

1. (tr) to encircle or surround

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Other Word Forms

• unenvironed adjective

Etymology

Origin of environ

1300–50; Middle English envirounen < Old French environner, derivative of environ around ( en en- ¹ + viron a circle; vir ( er ) to turn, veer ¹ + -on noun suffix)

Example Sentences

Mahan argued that the proposal had already hurt the state’s finances by driving economic investment and tax revenue out of California to tax-friendly environs.

From Los Angeles Times

For centuries, Lake Maracaibo’s environs were known for natural seepage of oil rising to the surface from sedimentary rock, a phenomenon also seen in sites like Los Angeles’ La Brea Tar Pits.

From Los Angeles Times

Arguably the first collection of lyrical essay writing about the California desert, Austin drew on her travels through the Owens Valley and environs, covering mining, the Shoshone tribe, weather and water.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, the Sudanese transport company Tarco operates daily crossings, carrying around 200 passengers per trip from the modern port of Suakin, within sight of the ancient city and its impoverished environs.

From Barron's

But in winter, the northern part of that loop is closed to cars, Maybe this is why the village, mountain and environs so often feel like a snowbound secret.

From Los Angeles Times