Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

encompass

 - 3 dictionary results

en⋅com⋅pass

[en-kuhm-puhs]
–verb (used with object)
1. to form a circle about; encircle; surround: He built a moat to encompass the castle.
2. to enclose; envelop: The folds of a great cloak encompassed her person.
3. to include comprehensively: a work that encompasses the entire range of the world's religious beliefs.
4. Obsolete. to outwit.

Origin:
1545–55; en- 1 + compass


en⋅com⋅pass⋅ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To encompass
en·com·pass   (ěn-kŭm'pəs)   
tr.v.   en·com·passed, en·com·pass·ing, en·com·pass·es
  1. To form a circle or ring around; surround. See Synonyms at surround.

  2. To enclose; envelop.

  3. To constitute or include: a survey that encompassed a wide range of participants.

  4. To accomplish; achieve.

en·com'pass·ment n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

encompass 
c.1555, from en- "make, put in" + compass.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see encompass on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: