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

But the more than 100 dishes also encompass marinated feta with a host of toppings, dips like labneh and tahini, and seafood such as saffron-scented squid. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2024

For one thing, its equations do not encompass gravity, which has no spot on the Standard Model chart. —Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 Dec. 2024

This data encompasses viewership from Friday through Sunday. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024

According to the White House, the Frances Perkins National Monument encompasses 57 acres in Newcastle, Maine, on the site of Perkins’s familial homestead. —Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 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