First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
encircle
verb en·cir·cle \in-ˈsər-kəl, en-\
: to form a circle around (someone or something) : to surround (someone or something)
Full Definition of ENCIRCLE
transitive verb
1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to pass completely around
— en·cir·cle·ment \-mənt\ noun
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See encircle defined for kids
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Origin of ENCIRCLE
Middle English enserclen
Related to ENCIRCLE
- Synonyms
- circle, circuit, circumnavigate, circumvent, compass, girdle, orbit, ring, round
ENCIRCLING Defined for Kids
encircle
verb en·cir·cle \in-ˈsər-kəl\
en·cir·cleden·cir·cling
Definition of ENCIRCLE for Kids
1
: to make a circle around : surround <A deep moat encircles the castle.>
2
: to go completely around <The dogs encircled the sheep.>
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