ə̇nˈvīrən, en-, -ī(ə)rn transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English envirounen, from Middle French environner, from environ around, about, from en in, (from Latin in ) + viron circle, circuit, from virer to turn, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin virare, probably alteration (influenced by Latin vibrare to shake or vertere to turn) of Latin gyrare to turn around — more at in , vibrate , worth , gyrate
1.
a. : encircle , envelop : form a ring around
the seas environing the island
a city environed by pleasant and extensive plains
b. : to stand close around : cluster or press near
ladies in waiting environed the queen
2. : to surround or enfold with a condition, atmosphere, or other intangible thing : surround permeatingly
the heavy pressure of the cultural influences that environ us
made light of the dangers that environed him
Synonyms: see surround