encircle
verb (used with object)
to form a circle around; surround; encompass.
had been encircling
-
past perfect progressiveof encircle.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Meanwhile the storm that had been encircling the horizon half the day, threatening and growling, had arisen with might, gathered itself just above the wood, and paused--even the wind had ceased.
From L'Arrabiata and Other Tales by Paul Heyse
The sea rose as if by magic, and, with the wind astern, was driving us upon the reef which we had been encircling in search of a harbor.
From Lippincott's Magazine, October 1885 by Various
