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Definition of "encompass" []

  • To form a circle or ring around; surround. See Synonyms at surround. (verb-transitive)
  • To enclose; envelop. (verb-transitive)
  • To constitute or include: a survey that encompassed a wide range of participants. (verb-transitive)
  • To accomplish; achieve. (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.

Use "encompass" in a sentence
  • "The "three weeks" of the title encompass both Max's expedition, in December 2000, and the experiences of another American, hunting lions in west-central Africa, in December 1899."
  • "Note that throughout this entry ˜science™ and cognate terms encompass only the natural sciences."
  • "I would argue that although these labels encompass a wider array of political thought than party classifications, they are dangerous to critical thought."