envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp 

en-

enveloped; enveloping; envelops

transitive verb

1

: to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering

2

: to mount an attack on (an enemy's flank)

envelopment

in-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms

• box (in)
• cage
• closet
• coop (up)
• corral
• encage
• encase
• enclose
• inclose
• fence (in)
• hedge
• hem (in)
• house
• immure
• include
• mew (up)
• pen
• wall (in)

Examples of envelop in a Sentence

a chronic mistrust of outsiders envelops that neighborhood, cutting it off from the rest of the city

the truth of the presidential assassination is enveloped in a dense fog of myths and conspiracy theories

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo : Cris Nolasco The multi-level home is enveloped in lush gardens. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025

Ultimately, Elphaba, enveloped by clouds reminiscent of the Renaissance, makes a dramatic turn and soars into the sunset, leaving the audience in a state of emotional exhilaration and curiosity about what lies ahead. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025

Galactus The iconic horned helmet of Galactus looms ominously throughout, enveloping the city in shadow and staring down on the Statue of Liberty. —Devin Robertson, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

It is composed of thousands of galaxies that are enveloped in a vast cloud of hot gas. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English envolupen, from Anglo-French envoluper, envoleper, from en- + voluper to wrap

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp 

: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering

envelopment

-mənt 

noun