encircling

/ɪnˈsɜː.kəl/ (bre, ipa) · [ɛnsˈɚkəlɪŋ] /ɪnˈsɝː.kəl/ (ame, ipa) · [ɛnsˈɚkəlɪŋ] /in-ˈsər-kəl en-/ (ame, mw)

encircling — verb

  • encirclingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • encirclings3rd person singular
  • encirclinging-ing form
  • encirclingedpast simple

1. to make a complete ring around a person, place, or thing, so that they are enclo

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a complete ring around a person, place, or thing, so that they are enclosed on every side

例句

A thick stone wall encircled the old town for more than six hundred years.

passive-like context: stone wall encircling a town

Kofi encircled the campsite with a rope to keep the young children safe.

encircle + object + with [tool]

同義詞
  • surround

    More general; 'surround' can be partial while 'encircle' is always a full ring

  • encompass

    More formal; often means 'include' or 'cover' rather than physically circling

  • ring

    Less common as a verb; suggests a thin line around something

文法句型

encircle + object

be encircled by + object

用法筆記

Unlike 'surround', which can mean being on several sides, 'encircle' always implies a complete ring with no gaps.

常見錯誤

❌Protesters surrounded the square on three sides.' (if a complete ring is meant).
✅Protesters encircled the square on every side.
💡'encircle' requires a complete circle; 'surround' allows partial coverage.