encircled

Everyday

1. Formed a circle around something or someone; surrounded. tree →
2. (in war) Surrounded an army or city so it could not escape. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, «the wolves encircled the camp» creates danger; in history, armies encircled cities in sieges. In maths or art, a shape may be encircled by a ring. In everyday life, a garden encircled by a hedge. Phrases: «encircled by», «encircled the town».

Examples

• Tall trees encircled the quiet lake. tree →
• The children encircled the birthday girl and sang. tree →
• The castle was encircled by a deep moat. tree →
• The army encircled the city. tree →
• Circle the answer: put a ring round it so it is encircled. tree →
• A ring of light encircled the moon. tree →
• Sharks encircled the small boat. tree →
• The head is frequently encircled with a wreath of oak-leaves. tree →

Note

Regular verb: encircle, encircled. «En-» means put into or make: encircle = put in a circle. Often passive: «encircled by». Similar: surround, ring.