encapsulate

verb

en·​cap·​su·​late in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce encapsulate (audio)
en-
encapsulated; encapsulating

transitive verb

1
: to enclose in or as if in a capsule
a pilot encapsulated in the cockpit
2
: epitomize, summarize
encapsulate an era in an aphorism
encapsulation noun

Did you know?

We’ll keep it brief by encapsulating the history of this word in just a few sentences. Encapsulate and its related noun, capsule, come to us from capsula, a diminutive form of the Latin noun capsa, meaning “box.” (Capsa also gave us the “container” or “box” meaning of the noun case.) The earliest examples of encapsulate are for its literal use (“to enclose something in a capsule”) and date to the late 19th century. Its extended meaning, “to give a summary or synopsis of something,” plays on the notion of a capsule being something compact, self-contained, and often easily digestible.

Examples of encapsulate in a Sentence

The contaminated material should be encapsulated and removed. can you encapsulate the president's speech in about a paragraph?
Recent Examples on the Web There’s no better place to experience Robbins’s touch than at Lilia, her chic Williamsburg restaurant with an ever-changing menu that encapsulates her philosophy of luxurious Italian simplicity. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2024 Her former world, filled with fittings with Hollywood stars and fits from fashion assistants and lots of capital-F Fashion!, was chronicled on her 2008-2013 reality show The Rachel Zoe Project, which also encapsulated a look, a time, and, well, vibe from the mid-aughts. Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Feminism needs rebranding because it is increasingly being perceived as encapsulating an anti-male belief system that aims to elbow men out of the way so that women can prosper. Luba Kassova, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 That kind of decision perfectly encapsulates the filmmaking process. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Jimi Hendrix: Woodstock Music and Arts Festival 1969 On a dairy farm in upstate New York, Jimi Hendrix performed a version of the national anthem that encapsulated the spirit of a generation. James Powel, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 That book encapsulated the challenge of Potok's life, Posner said: Potok was a deeply religious Jewish man who also was deeply pulled to art and wanted to live fully in both worlds, immersing him in conflict. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2024 In between all of the fascinating historic and natural attractions, visitors are certain to discover a diverse dining scene that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant flavors of modern Canada accented with ingredients sourced from across the globe. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 My grandfather's final piece of advice encapsulates the essence of persuasive leadership through humility, offering timeless guidance for navigating the complexities of leadership with dignity and grace. Kwame Christian, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encapsulate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encapsulate was in 1872

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Dictionary Entries Near encapsulate

Cite this Entry

“Encapsulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encapsulate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

encapsulate

verb
en·​cap·​su·​late in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce encapsulate (audio)
encapsulated; encapsulating
1
: to enclose in a capsule
2
: to tell or relate (as a report) in a few words
encapsulation noun

Medical Definition

encapsulate

verb
en·​cap·​su·​late in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce encapsulate (audio)
encapsulated; encapsulating

transitive verb

: to surround, encase, or protect in or as if in a capsule
DNA has been encapsulated in microspheresPaul Smaglik

intransitive verb

: to become encapsulated
a bacillus that encapsulates in the human body
encapsulation noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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