encompass

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To include within its scope; to circumscribe or go round so as to surround; to enclose; to contain.

   his piercing inſtruments of ſight: Whose fiery circles beare encompaſſed A heauen of heauenly bodies in their Spheares:

2. 2
   verb

   To include completely; to describe fully or comprehensively.

   This book on English grammar encompasses all irregular verbs.

3. 3
   verb

   To go around, especially, to circumnavigate.

   Drake encompassed the globe.

4. 4
   verb

   include in scope

5. 5
   verb

   To form a circle around; to encircle.

Etymology

From Middle English encompassen. By surface analysis, en- + compass.