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

The graying convict sat slumped in a wheelchair — a far cry from the flamboyant woman who sometimes was mistaken for actress Elizabeth Taylor and who glided through rooms enveloped in the scent of gardenias, Kimes’ dad’s favorite scent. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024

Perfect for a late night or a secret daytime escape, mischief has no bounds when you’re enveloped in this racy aroma. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

First, a gorgeous Saint Candle created by innovative music executive, Ira DeWitt, that not only includes holy oil and envelops your world in scented luxury, but each candle supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

That’s why California’s Montage Health Ohana campus—a behavioral health center for children and youth, which opened in December—is enveloped by oak trees, rosemary, and lavender plants. —Jeff Wilser, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

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