encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-,
 also  -ˈkäm-
encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1
a
: include, comprehend
a plan that encompasses a number of aims
b
2
a
: to form a circle about : enclose
b
obsolete : to go completely around
3
: bring about, accomplish
encompass a task
encompassment
in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-
 also  -ˈkäm-
noun

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

The district encompasses most of the downtown area. a neighborhood encompassed by a highway
Recent Examples on the Web The expense under discussion wasn’t a private jet, a non-fungible token or some new cryptocurrency, but glam — a catch-all term that encompasses the services of hairstylists, makeup artists and nail technicians. Christine Werthman, Billboard, 1 Mar. 2024 Lawsuit Against DeSantis: In a significant victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, a federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by Disney claiming that DeSantis violated the First Amendment by taking over a special tax district that encompasses Walt Disney World. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The Del Rio sector that encompasses Eagle Pass has seen 182,077 encounters, but even that is far below the busiest sector, which lies around Tucson, Arizona, and has seen 297,380 encounters. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024 Another race Kromer said that could be impacted by turnout is District 42, which encompasses a portion of Charlotte and Mint Hill where Republicans have the potential to pick up a seat vacated by Democrat Rachel Hunt. Kendrick Marshall, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 Cardiovascular disease encompasses heart attacks, stroke, clogged arteries and peripheral artery disease. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 His work suggests that true justice should encompass both financial compensation and healing initiatives that take a multi-faceted approach to wellness. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The new District 48 encompasses parts of northeastern Dane County and southwestern Dodge County. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2024 Role of Physical and Mental Health in Exam Preparation Effective preparation encompasses both mental and physical well-being. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of encompass was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near encompass

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

encompass

verb
en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
-ˈkäm-
1
: to form a circle about : surround
2
a
: to cover or surround especially so as to hide or protect
b
: to take in as a part : include
encompassment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encompass

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