encompass

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

Synonyms of encompass

• surround
• encircle

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

The district encompasses most of the downtown area.

a neighborhood encompassed by a highway

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike the Pro Football and National Baseball halls of fame, the Naismith hall encompasses men, women, amateurs and pros. —Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

The Piazza is the mid-sip atrium space that encompasses decks seven through nine, enclosed within the ship’s glass Sphere. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

But those evaluations need to encompass the element of the offense that can best help the passing game — the running game. —Sam McDowell February 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

However, that explanation doesn’t fully encompass every influence. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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