encompassing

[en-kuhm-puh-sing]

adjective

1. forming a circle around something; encircling or surrounding.

   She serves the whole Anchorage real estate market, including the encompassing communities.

2. comprehensively including, addressing, or dealing with all parts or aspects of something.

   Whether as a regular treatment or a special indulgence, your fully encompassing spa experience will leave you looking and feeling fantastic!

3. fully enclosing or enveloping something.

   As she looked out reflectively over the lake, the encompassing quiet was sliced by the shrill sound of her cell phone.

noun

1. the act or state of surrounding, enclosing, or comprehensively including something.

   The term “diaspora” allows for the encompassing of a wider range of people and experiences than “immigrants.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of encompassing¹

First recorded in 1565–75; encompass ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; encompass ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

There are two tracks that border on ambient, focusing on the sounds of a church bell and a small sound that grows into an encompassing roar.

From Los Angeles Times

The kidult sector is booming, encompassing everyone from the so-called “Disney adult” to those who carry a Labubu doll as a fashion accessory.

From Los Angeles Times

There are government asks to which some UC leaders could possibly agree, encompassing efforts already underway.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Munch disagrees with the expropriation plans because they include the centre of the village, encompassing the residents' homes and shared businesses including a restaurant, hotel, bakery, butchers and a dairy.

From BBC

Every month, she is left with "all encompassing" pain affecting her legs, stomach, back and head.

From BBC

Related Words

• enveloping www.thesaurus.com