encircle
verb (used with object)
to form a circle around; surround; encompass.
had encircled
-
past perfectof encircle.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
It has also launched a ground operation and on Thursday said its forces had encircled Gaza City.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2023
Its walls had encircled everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Pope John Paul II. Nelson Mandela had spoken there.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2023
Before confining Álvarez, police had encircled a priest in Sebaco, also part of the Matagalpa diocese, for several days before eventually allowing him to leave.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 13, 2022
Eduardo Escobar, director of the nongovernmental Citizen Action organization, noted that the state of emergency had not included restrictions on mobility, yet security forces had encircled some neighborhoods, controlling who entered and who left.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 29, 2022
But she found herself reminded, again and again, of the pale, long-lashed eyes that had looked up at her briefly, and of the small fingers that had encircled her thumb.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
