encompassing

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

en•com•pass /ɛnˈkʌmpəs/   v. [~ + object]

1. to encircle;
   surround:
   High mountains encompass the lake.
2. to include completely:
   The reorganization plan encompasses all employees.

en•com•pass•ment, n. [uncountable] See -pass-¹.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

en•com•pass  (en kum′pəs), v.t. 

1. to form a circle about;
   encircle;
   surround:
   He built a moat to encompass the castle.
2. to enclose;
   envelop:
   The folds of a great cloak encompassed her person.
3. to include comprehensively:
   a work that encompasses the entire range of the world's religious beliefs.
4. [Obs.] to outwit.

• en-¹ + compass 1545–55

en•com′pass•ment, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

encompass / ɪnˈkʌmpəs/ verb (transitive)

1. to enclose within a circle; surround
2. to bring about; cause to happen; contrive: he encompassed the enemy's ruin
3. to include entirely or comprehensively: this book encompasses the whole range of knowledge

enˈcompassment noun