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surround

verb

/səˈraʊnd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of surround

To encircle, encompass, or enclose something or someone from all sides.
"The majestic mountains surround the picturesque valley."

Detailed meaning of surround

It implies the establishment of a boundary or barrier around a particular object, person, or area. When something or someone is surrounded, it means that they are completely or partially enclosed by their surroundings, creating a sense of containment or isolation. Surrounding can occur both in physical and metaphorical contexts. In a physical sense, it can describe the act of encircling a location with objects, structures, or natural elements. Metaphorically, it can describe the presence of circumstances, emotions, or influences that envelop or encompass a person or situation, effectively shaping their experiences or outcomes. The concept of surrounding emphasizes the idea of being encompassed or encased by the environment or circumstances, creating a sense of connection, constraint, or protection.

Example sentences containing surround

1. They decided to surround the city with walls for protection.
2. The police will surround the building in case of any suspicious activity.
3. When you get there, trees will surround you on all sides.
4. The tourists decided to surround the guide for a better view.
5. His family likes to surround him with love and care.
6. We must surround the garden with a fence to keep the rabbits out.

History and etymology of surround

The verb 'surround' has its origins in Middle English and Old French, ultimately tracing back to the Latin word 'superundare.' This Latin term is a combination of 'super,' meaning 'over' or 'above,' and 'undare,' meaning 'to flow.' The etymology of 'surround' subtly reflects the idea of something flowing over or above and enclosing or encompassing something or someone from all sides, much like water flowing around an object. It implies the act of encircling or enclosing without explicitly addressing its specific definition, aligning with its modern-day usage related to encircling or encompassing something or someone from all directions.

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Further usage examples of surround

1. The protesters plan to surround the government building until their demands are met.
2. The villagers decided to surround the fire to keep warm.
3. In this region, mountains surround the small, isolated town.
4. Let's surround the stage to get a closer look at the performance.
5. The best way to protect the young plants is to surround them with a wire cage.
6. The city officials decided to surround the park with a new security fence.
7. All his friends came to surround him on his birthday.
8. Birds of various colors surround the lake every morning.
9. They want to surround the sculpture with a protective barrier.
10. We'll surround the camping site with stones to mark our territory.
11. The engineers plan to surround the new building with a moat for aesthetic purposes.
12. Soldiers surround the palace to ensure the monarch's safety.
13. We decided to surround the picnic area with string lights for the evening.
14. The children love to surround the storyteller during storytime.