Definition

The action of surrounding something completely or the condition of being surrounded.

Example

The encirclement of the city made it difficult for supplies to enter.

Conversation

Did you hear about the team's strategy during the last game?

Yeah, I heard they focused on encirclement to trap their opponents.

That's a clever tactic; it really limits the other team's options.

For sure! It makes it much harder for them to escape or counterattack.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Encirclement → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "circum" (from Latin, meaning around) and "clamentum" (from Latin, meaning to call or shout). The word describes the act of causing something to be surrounded or enclosed by something else.

Memory Tip

Imagine something being 'caused to be in' ('en-') a space that is 'around' ('circum') it, which helps you remember that encirclement means surrounding something.

Visually Confused Words