Entry Word: enclose

Function: verb

Meaning:

also inclose

1 to close or shut in by or as if by barriers <dogs who spend the day enclosed in small cages>

Synonyms cage, closet, coop (up), corral, encase, envelop, fence (in), hedge, hem, house, immure, pen, wall (in)

Related Words bound, circumscribe, confine, contain, limit, restrict; encircle, encompass, ring, surround

2 to form a circle around <in a show of support, the women rushed to enclose their distraught friend> — see surround
3 to surround or cover closely <the house was enclosed by a high hedge that shielded it from public view> — see enfold 1