surround

1 of 2

verb

sur·​round sə-ˈrau̇nd 

surrounded; surrounding; surrounds

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to enclose on all sides : envelop

the crowd surrounded her

(2)

: to enclose so as to cut off communication or retreat : invest entry 2

b

: to form or be a member of the entourage of

flatterers who surround the king

c

: to constitute part of the environment of

surrounded by poverty

d

: to extend around the margin or edge of : encircle

a wall surrounds the old city

2

: to cause to be surrounded by something

surrounded himself with friends

surround

2 of 2

noun

: something (such as a border or ambient environment) that surrounds

… from urban centre to rural surround.

—Emrys Jones

Synonyms of surround

Verb

• encircle
• encompass
• circle
• embrace
• ring

Noun

• surroundings
• environment
• atmosphere
• environs
• climate
• context

Examples of surround in a Sentence

Verb

A wall surrounds the old city.

They had the suspect surrounded.

She was suddenly surrounded by a crowd of excited fans.

There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the decision.

His departure was surrounded by secrecy.

Noun

the vast, featureless surround of the desert was strangely appealing to him

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

For many, being surrounded by thousands of people who share their beliefs is a big part of the attraction. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

The ex-wrestler’s accident was first reported by TMZ, which published photos Friday of Flair on the ground surrounded by medical workers and also being lifted into an ambulance. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026

Noun

The porcelain faces on the surround are from the Chelsea Flea. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2026

Our tester featured available comforts such as premium audio, a surround-view camera system, and optional carbon bucket seats. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to flood, inundate, from Anglo-French surunder, from Late Latin superundare, to overflow, from Latin super- + unda wave; influenced in meaning by round entry 5 — more at water

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing surround

• surround oneself with (someone or something)
• surround sound

Rhymes for surround

• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• expound
• fairground

Kids Definition

surround

1 of 2 verb

sur·​round sə-ˈrau̇nd 

: to enclose on all sides : encircle

surround

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a border) that surrounds