encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs 

en-,

 also  -ˈkäm-

encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1

a

: include, comprehend

a plan that encompasses a number of aims

b

: envelop

2

a

: to form a circle about : enclose

b

obsolete : to go completely around

3

: bring about, accomplish

encompass a task

encompassment

in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt 

en-

 also  -ˈkäm-

noun

Synonyms

• circle
• compass
• embrace
• encircle
• enclose
• inclose
• environ
• gird
• girdle
• ring
• surround
• wreathe

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

The sky darkened, Lucas said, encompassing the Ohio hospital room in an eerie darkness with a few dim rays of light peaking through. —Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024

The diocese encompasses 530,000 Catholics in 46 counties in Western North Carolina, and its 20 schools are experiencing record enrollment, diocesan. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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

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