surround
verb (used with object)
to enclose on all sides; encompass.
were surrounding
-
past progressiveof surround.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.
I saw all the units that were surrounding him and asked, “What is this?”
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
Local officials asked the federal government to help with an estimated 2,500 undocumented migrants who were surrounding a local church that provides support and assistance.
From New York Times ● May 11, 2023
“He was just chasing after him and then there were five police cars that came and they were surrounding him,” she said as she waited outside the school for a bus.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 20, 2023
When the son looked through a window, he saw that multiple officers of the Wyoming Police Department were surrounding the house with their guns drawn.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 10, 2021
Lyra sat up groggily to see Mary talking to five or six of the mulefa, who were surrounding her, clearly excited; but whether they were angry or joyful, she couldn’t tell.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
