encircle
Form loop around
To encircle is to form a circle around something, surrounding it completely: Enemy troops encircled the city.
The word suggests containment or embrace—arms encircle a loved one, mountains encircle a valley.
It can imply entrapment or protection depending on context.
Shut in on all sides
- envelopSurround and cover fully
- ringClosed curve shape
- loopCurve closing on itself
- circumscribeTo enclose or restrict
gird · girdle · cordon · encompass · border · perimeter · periphery · skirt
Tight, affectionate clasp
- enfoldWrap something completely
- claspSecuring device that clicks
- holdMaintain in grasp
- wrapEnclose by winding around
cradle · squeeze · arms · enclasp · enwrap · gather · clutch · entwine
Closed curve shape
- bandGroup playing music together
- hoopRigid circular frame
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
- ankletLeg-bottom ornament or sock
armlet · bangle · crown · wreath · coronet · diadem · torque · collar
Surround to force surrender
- blockadeSealing off a place
- trapDevice for catching animals
- hem inConfine by encircling
- cut offSeparated or disconnected
surround · cordon off · invest · close off · bottle up · lay siege · entrap · beleaguer
Handheld defensive armor
- fortifyMake stronger against threat
- guardWatchful defensive attention
- defendProtect from harm
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
rampart · bulwark · palisade · wall · corral · stockade · secure · safeguard
Interlace fingers with another
- ring aroundSurround in a loop
- huddleClose protective gathering
- solidarityUnity among allies
- togethernessState of close connection
link arms · gathering · community · collective · fellowship · bonding · connection
enclose
Shut in on all sides
circumscribe · gird · girdle · cordon · encompass · border · perimeter · periphery · skirt · fringe
hug
Tight, affectionate clasp
wrap · cradle · squeeze · arms · enclasp · enwrap · gather · clutch · entwine
ring
Closed curve shape
anklet · armlet · bangle · crown · wreath · coronet · diadem · torque · collar · garland
besiege
Surround to force surrender
cut off · surround · cordon off · invest · close off · bottle up · lay siege · entrap · beleaguer
shield
Handheld defensive armor
barricade · rampart · bulwark · palisade · wall · corral · stockade · secure · safeguard · buffer
join hands
Interlace fingers with another
- ring aroundSurround in a loop
- huddleClose protective gathering
- solidarityUnity among allies
link arms · togetherness · gathering · community · collective · fellowship · bonding · connection
encirclebisect
Divide into two equal portions
cut through · traverse · cross · pierce · pass through
encircled, encircling, encircles, encirclement, encirclements