encompass

1 of 2

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs 

en-

also -ˈkäm-

encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1

: to include as a part of a whole or group

a plan that encompasses a number of aims

The ranch encompasses more than 2,500 acres of prime forest …

—Stuart D. Strahl

That success soon mushroomed into an empire encompassing toys, games, animations and all manner of consumer gewgaws.

—Charlie Campbell

2

a

: envelop

A thick fog encompassed the city.

b

: to form a circle about : enclose

a small village encompassed by mountains

c

obsolete : to travel completely around

3

dated : bring about, accomplish

… Jiu Jitsu, the … art of making an opponent use his strength to encompass his own defeat.

—TIME

encompassment

in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt 

en-

also -ˈkäm-

noun

encompassment

2 of 2

noun

en·​com·​pass·​ment "mənt 

plural -s

1

: the act or action of encompassing

the president's adroit encompassment of each difficulty

2

: the quality or state of being encompassed

had a feeling of complete encompassment by unfriendly forces

Synonyms of encompass

Verb

• surround
• encircle

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

Verb

The district encompasses most of the downtown area.

a neighborhood encompassed by a highway

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Hernandez and Wahab will face off again in November to fill a full term starting next year to represent the 14th congressional district that encompasses parts of Alameda County, including the cities of Fremont, Hayward, Dublin and Livermore. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

The geography of the Hamptons encompasses various hamlets and villages, each with their own distinct charm and reputation. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

The district includes predominantly Black communities in central and western Broward County, encompassing portions of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, North Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise and Pompano Beach. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Most products in the field today are a collection of devices, and a growing share encompasses many more than in previous generations. — Thomas Ryd, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb

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

Rhymes for encompass

• compass
• rumpus

Kids Definition

encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs 

-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

-mənt 

noun