encompass
verb (used with object)
were encompassing
-
past progressiveof encompass.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The toils so skilfully spread were encompassing Burgoyne more and more; the gates of Canada were closing behind him.
From The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving For Young Persons and for the Use of Schools by Washington Irving
Already the adulations and mean worship of courtiers were encompassing him; already, also, was revealed the provisional character of that power which depended so completely upon the life of a single man.
From World's Best Histories — Volume 7: France by M. (François) Guizot
Nor could he indeed by any combination see the means to extricate himself from the perils that were encompassing him.
From Coningsby by Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield
