encompass

1 of 2

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

encompassment

2 of 2

noun

en·​com·​pass·​ment "mənt 

plural -s

1

: the act or action of encompassing

the president's adroit encompassment of each difficulty

2

: the quality or state of being encompassed

had a feeling of complete encompassment by unfriendly forces

Synonyms of encompass

Verb

• surround
• encircle

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

Verb

The district encompasses most of the downtown area.

a neighborhood encompassed by a highway

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Suitable to one of the most diverse cities in the nation, the potential dining options encompass Korean, Mexican, Caribbean, Southern, Italian and a scad of other cuisines. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

The Southwest High School zone would encompass southwest Little Rock and a region west of College Station that includes Mann Middle School. — Arkansas Online, 16 July 2026

The president has broad authority under the Antiquities Act — the law encompasses more than just individual sites. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026

The poem built the template for the Hero’s Journey, shaping literature’s approach to character, adventure and conflict in a narrative that encompasses mortals, gods and monsters, history and mythology, tests and triumphs. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb

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