enfold

verb

en·​fold in-ˈfōld 

en-

enfolded; enfolding; enfolds

transitive verb

1

a

: to cover with or as if with folds : envelop

b

: to surround with a covering : contain

2

: to clasp within the arms : embrace

Synonyms of enfold

• wrap
• envelop
• enclose
• shroud
• encase

Examples of enfold in a Sentence

The dish is made of vegetables enfolded in a pastry crust.

We watched as darkness enfolded the city.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some may find this a bit too fine-grained, overly implicated in language’s self-enfolding folds. — Katie Kadue, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Hundreds of images show her embracing members of the public, friends, family, spreading her arms as wide as wings to enfold her sons. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

George’s cluckingly affectionate aunt wants to enfold Hedda in a tradition that would consign her to the role of wife and mother. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Julia walked with her head high, at a normal pace, confident now that the slope beside her would serve as a safety net like the one that enfolded Vroni—the German welfare state. — Nell Zink, New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for enfold

• ahold
• behold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enrolled
• extolled
• fivefold

Kids Definition

enfold

verb

en·​fold in-ˈfōld 

1

: to cover with folds : enclose in the folds of something

2

: embrace entry 1 sense 1, hug