enclave

[en-kleyv, ahn-]

noun

1. a country, or especially, an outlying portion of a country, entirely or mostly surrounded by the territory of another country.

2. any small, distinct area or group enclosed or isolated within a larger one.

   a Chinese-speaking enclave in London.

verb (used with object)

enclaved, enclaving 

1. to isolate or enclose (especially territory) within a foreign or uncongenial environment; make an enclave of.

   The desert enclaved the little settlement.

enclave

/ ˈɛnkleɪv /

noun

1. a part of a country entirely surrounded by foreign territory: viewed from the position of the surrounding territories Compare exclave

Word History and Origins

Origin of enclave¹

1865–70; < French, Middle French, noun derivative of enclaver < Vulgar Latin *inclāvāre to lock in, equivalent to Latin in- in- ² + clāv ( is ) key + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of enclave¹

C19: from French, from Old French enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin inclāvāre (unattested) to lock up, from Latin _in- ² + clavis key

Example Sentences

It also found that starvation is spreading rapidly in Gaza City, with famine expected to affect the rest of the enclave in September.

From BBC

As the president this week threatened to send National Guard and other troops to more American cities, he has some choice words about the wealthy enclave where he once owned a home.

From Los Angeles Times

"This plan will isolate Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings, submerge it in massive settlement blocs" and fragment the West Bank "into disconnected enclaves resembling open-air prisons", the PA's foreign ministry said.

From BBC

This wealthy Monterey County enclave strictly regulates architecture to maintain the much-vaunted “village character” of a place filled with cottages, courtyards and secret passageways.

From Los Angeles Times

Since March, Israel has kept the enclave under a near-total blockade, justifying the move as necessary to prevent aid from benefiting Hamas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• area 
• colony 
• country 
• district 
• field 
• land 
• nation 
• neighborhood 
• province 
• sector 
• state 
• street 
• terrain 
• zone