ENGLISH
REFERENCE

encircling

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛnˈsɝkəɫɪŋ// UK //ɛnsˈɜːklɪŋ// en·cir·cling

v. to go all the way around something, like a circle, to surround it. You use this when you want to describe someone or something going around an object or a person.

v. to move or extend all the way around something, forming a circle or ring. Transitive — requires a direct object to indicate what is being surrounded.


SIMPLE

The runners are encircling the track for the final lap.

CONTEXTUAL

The police officers began encircling the building to prevent the suspect from escaping through the back door.

COMPLEX

As the storm intensified, the dark clouds began encircling the mountain peak, casting a long shadow over the valley below.

Synonyms

© 2026 English Reference