encompass

en·com·pass

verb \in-ˈkəm-pəs, en- also -ˈkäm-\

Definition of ENCOMPASS

transitive verb

1

a : to form a circle about : enclose b obsolete : to go completely around

2

a : envelop b : include, comprehend <a plan that encompasses a number of aims>

3

: bring about, accomplish <encompass a task>

— en·com·pass·ment \-pə-smənt\ noun

Examples of ENCOMPASS

1. The district encompasses most of the downtown area.
2. a neighborhood encompassed by a highway

Origin of ENCOMPASS

Middle English

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ENCOMPASS

Synonyms: circle, compass, embrace, encircle, enclose (also inclose), surround, environ, gird, girdle, ring, wreathe

Antonyms: exclude, leave (out), miss out [British], omit

Related Words: circumscribe, close in, cordon (off), fence (in), hem (in), wall; beset, besiege, entrench (also intrench), invest, swarm

Near Antonyms: ban, bar, debar, preclude, prevent, prohibit; deny, refuse, reject; eliminate, except, rule out; lose, mislay, misplace

see all synonyms and antonyms

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