/ ɪnˈsɜːkl; NAmE ɪnˈsɜːrkl/ verb
[ vn ] ( formal ) to surround sb/sth completely in a circle :
Jack's arms encircled her waist.
The island is encircled by a coral reef.
► en·circle·ment noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (formerly also as incircle ): from en- , in- within + circle .