envelop

[en-vel-uhp, en-vel-uhp, en-vuh-luhp, ahn-]

verb (used with object)

enveloped, enveloping 

1. to wrap up in or as in a covering.

   The long cloak she was wearing enveloped her completely.

   Synonyms: conceal, hide, cover, enfold

2. to serve as a wrapping or covering for, as a membrane of an organ or a sheath.

3. to surround entirely.

   Synonyms: enclose, encompass

4. Military.,  to attack (an enemy's flank).

noun

1. envelope.

envelop

/ ɪnˈvɛləp /

verb

1. to wrap or enclose in or as if in a covering

2. to conceal or obscure, as from sight or understanding

   a plan enveloped in mystery

3. to surround or partially surround (an enemy force)

Other Word Forms

• envelopment noun
• enveloper noun
• preenvelop verb (used with object)
• unenveloped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelop¹

1350–1400; Middle English envolupen < Old French envoluper, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + voloper to envelop, of obscure origin; compare Old Provençal ( en ) volopar, Italian inviluppare to envelop, Italian viluppo tuft, bundle, confusion, referred to Medieval Latin faluppa chaff, wisp of straw, perhaps influenced by the descendants of Latin volvere to roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelop¹

C14: from Old French envoluper, from _en- ¹ + voluper, voloper, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

The planet would be similar to our solar system's gas giants, Saturn and Jupiter, and would be enveloped in a thick gas cloud.

From BBC

In their enveloping blueness, dotted with colorful fish and coral reefs, the undersea scenes are, in fact, quite meditative.

From Los Angeles Times

It has the same bustling feeling that envelops SW19, with fans queueing at the merchandise stalls or craning their necks at the practice courts for a glimpse of the players.

From BBC

It’s earthy and calming — grounding, even — and by the time you open their door, the scent envelops you.

From Los Angeles Times

I loved its viscosity, that rich, luxurious texture that clung to everything it touched, enveloping everything it's heaped over.

From Salon

Related Words

• blanket 
• drape 
• encircle 
• enclose 
• encompass 
• enfold 
• engulf 
• obscure 
• shroud 
• surround 
• swaddle 
• swathe 
• wrap