What does "surround" mean?

1. (to be all around) to be everywhere around something or someone. 2. (to trap or hem in) to move around someone or something so they cannot escape. 3. (a border or frame) a border or decorative frame that goes around something, like a fireplace.

How do you use "surround"?

Commonly used in the context of home fixtures like 'fireplace surround'.

surround

v. · n.

US //sɝˈaʊnd// UK //səɹˈaʊnd// sur·round

1 to be all around (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to be everywhere around something or someone.

to encircle or encompass something on all sides.

Example

Tall trees surround the lake, making it feel very private.

Example

The medieval city walls once completely surrounded the old town, protecting the inhabitants from external threats for centuries.
- encircle
- enclose
- encompass
2 to trap or hem in (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to move around someone or something so they cannot escape.

to enclose or confine a person or group on all sides to prevent movement or escape.

Example

The police surrounded the building and told the suspect to come out.

Example

The troops moved quickly to surround the enemy position, cutting off all potential supply lines and escape routes before nightfall.
- besiege
- hem in
- trap
- release
- free

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3 a border or frame (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English

a border or decorative frame that goes around something, like a fireplace.

a decorative or functional border or casing that encircles an object.

Example

They chose a modern marble surround for the new fireplace.

Example

The architect specified a brushed-metal surround for the doorway to complement the industrial aesthetic of the gallery space.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of home fixtures like 'fireplace surround'.

Origin

From Middle English sourrounden (“to submerge, overflow”), from Middle French souronder, suronder, from Late Latin superundō, from super + undō (“to rise in waves”), from unda (“wave”).