envelop
verb
en·vel·op in-ˈve-ləp 
en-
enveloped; enveloping; envelops
transitive verb
1
: to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
2
: to mount an attack on (an enemy's flank)
envelopment
in-ˈve-ləp-mənt
noun en-
Synonyms
- box (in)
- cage
- closet
- coop (up)
- corral
- encage
- encase
- enclose
- inclose
- fence (in)
- hedge
- hem (in)
- house
- immure
- include
- mew (up)
- pen
- wall (in)
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a chronic mistrust of outsiders envelops that neighborhood, cutting it off from the rest of the city the truth of the presidential assassination is enveloped in a dense fog of myths and conspiracy theories
Recent Examples on the Web The bamboo sheets will keep you cool throughout the night, especially in hot summer months, and envelop you in silky softness on lazy mornings. 
Madison Yauger, PEOPLE.com, 11 July 2022 Managing our emotions together is necessary in any crisis, especially when an invisible virus lurks nearby, seemingly waiting to envelop us in its death grip. Caroline Van Hemert, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2020 Unlike the jagged-leafed dandelion, the Lakeside daisy has a collection of finger-like leaves that envelop a stem topped by a flower with an orange center and yellow petals. Peter Krouse, cleveland, 27 May 2022 The unusual heat will envelop much of the state, and will be accompanied by almost no precipitation. Nathaniel Herz, Washington Post, 23 June 2022 That’s just physics: until now, outside of five- or ten-pound breadbox-size speakers, no brand has been able to pack in enough power to fully envelop you in the music. Will Palmer, Outside Online, 27 May 2022 Despite gaining ground, Russian forces have struggled to envelop the Ukrainian army in the east despite weeks of continuous shelling and assaults. Vivian Salama, WSJ, 17 May 2022 Dinner is an event, an exploration where Holley’s nurturing spirit and the luxurious atmosphere envelop you. Dwight Brown, Essence, 18 May 2022 Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2022 See More
Madison Yauger, PEOPLE.com, 11 July 2022 Managing our emotions together is necessary in any crisis, especially when an invisible virus lurks nearby, seemingly waiting to envelop us in its death grip. Caroline Van Hemert, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2020 Unlike the jagged-leafed dandelion, the Lakeside daisy has a collection of finger-like leaves that envelop a stem topped by a flower with an orange center and yellow petals. Peter Krouse, cleveland, 27 May 2022 The unusual heat will envelop much of the state, and will be accompanied by almost no precipitation. Nathaniel Herz, Washington Post, 23 June 2022 That’s just physics: until now, outside of five- or ten-pound breadbox-size speakers, no brand has been able to pack in enough power to fully envelop you in the music. Will Palmer, Outside Online, 27 May 2022 Despite gaining ground, Russian forces have struggled to envelop the Ukrainian army in the east despite weeks of continuous shelling and assaults. Vivian Salama, WSJ, 17 May 2022 Dinner is an event, an exploration where Holley’s nurturing spirit and the luxurious atmosphere envelop you. Dwight Brown, Essence, 18 May 2022 Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English envolupen, from Anglo-French envoluper, envoleper, from en- + voluper to wrap
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
envelop
verb
en·vel·op in-ˈve-ləp
enveloped; enveloping
: to put a covering completely around : wrap up or in
envelopments
noun
as in entanglements
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- entanglements
- enmeshments
- entrapments
- ambushes
- booby traps
- duplicities
- land mines
- hazards
- nets
- traps
- webs
- subterfuges
- snares
- artifices
- deceptions
- pitfalls
- double-dealings
- snags
- ruses
- catches
- cheats
- tricks
- ploys