Definition of "encircle" []

• To form a circle around; surround. See Synonyms at surround. (verb-transitive)
• To move or go around completely; make a circuit of. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Later, the populace again encircle the pole and dance throughout the night."
• "Chinese commentators have expressed concerned that the growing relations between India and the United States are an attempt to "encircle" China."
• "They took further measurements over a 24 hour period and two men trekked 4.3 miles (7 km) to "encircle" the pole area."