surround
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1sur·round

transitive verb \sə-ˈrand\

Definition of SURROUND

1
a (1) : to enclose on all sides : envelop <the crowd surrounded her> (2) : to enclose so as to cut off communication or retreat : invest
b : to form or be a member of the entourage of <flatterers who surround the king>
c : to constitute part of the environment of <surrounded by poverty>
d : to extend around the margin or edge of : encircle <a wall surrounds the old city>
2
: to cause to be surrounded by something <surrounded himself with friends>

Examples of SURROUND

  1. A wall surrounds the old city.
  2. They had the suspect surrounded.
  3. She was suddenly surrounded by a crowd of excited fans.
  4. There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the decision.
  5. His departure was surrounded by secrecy.

Origin of SURROUND

Middle English, to flood, inundate, from Anglo-French surunder, from Late Latin superundare, to overflow, from Latin super- + unda wave; influenced in meaning by 5round — more at water
First Known Use: circa 1616

2surround

noun

Definition of SURROUND

: something (as a border or ambient environment) that surrounds <from urban centre to rural surround — Emrys Jones>

Examples of SURROUND

  1. <the vast, featureless surround of the desert was strangely appealing to him>

First Known Use of SURROUND

1893

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: surrounder
Previous Word in the Dictionary: surrogation
All Words Near: surround

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up surround? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More