Also spelled inclose

US /ənˈkloʊz/ UK /ɪnˈkləʊz/
verb Freq #40842

Meanings

  1. 1
    verb

    To surround something with a wall, fence, or barrier

    They enclosed the garden with a tall wooden fence.

  2. 2
    verb

    To put something inside an envelope or package, especially with a letter

    Please enclose a stamped envelope if you want a reply.

  3. 3
    verb

    To surround something completely

    Thick fog enclosed the whole valley.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 verb · to surround something with... fence inclose in
3 verb · to surround something... surroundwrap
Word family
Forms enclosedenclosesenclosinginclosedinclosingunencloseduninclosed
Derived forms disenclose
Related forms encircleenclosableencloser

Etymology

From Middle English enclosen, inclosen, from Middle English enclos, from Old French enclose, feminine plural past participle of enclore, from Vulgar Latin *inclaudō, *inclaudere, from Latin inclūdō (doublet of include), from in- (“in”) + claudō (“to shut”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂u- (“key, hook, nail”). Equivalent to en- + close.

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Topics

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