enclose definition

English

Alternative forms

• inclose (was as common as or more common than enclose until the early 1800s, is now uncommon)

Etymology

From Middle English enclosen, inclosen, from Middle English enclos, from Old French enclose, feminine plural past participle of enclore, from Vulgar Latin *inclaudō, *inclaudere, from Latin inclūdō (doublet of include). Equivalent to en- +‎ close.

Pronunciation

• (Canada) IPA^(key): /ənˈkloʊz/

• Audio (CA synth)

  (file)

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈkləʊz/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈkloʊz/
• Rhymes: -əʊz

Verb

enclose (third-person singular simple present encloses, present participle enclosing, simple past and past participle enclosed)

1. (transitive) to surround with a wall, fence, etc.

   to enclose lands

   • Surround definition

     To encircle something or simultaneously extend in all directions. (1 of 3 surround definitions)

   • Wall definition

     A rampart of earth, stones etc. built up for defensive purposes. (1 of 15 wall definitions)

   • Fence definition

     A thin artificial barrier that separates two pieces of land or a house perimeter. (1 of 8 fence definitions)
2. (transitive) to insert into a container, usually an envelope or package

   Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you require a reply.

   • Insert definition

     To put in between or into.

   • Container definition

     Someone who contains; something that contains. (1 of 8 container definitions)

   • Envelope definition

     A paper or cardboard wrapper used to enclose small, flat items, especially letters, for mailing. (1 of 11 envelope definitions)

   • Package definition

     Something which is packed, a parcel, a box, an envelope. (1 of 10 package definitions)

Usage notes

• Until about 1820, it was common to spell this word, and the derived terms encloser and enclosure, with in- (i.e. as inclose, incloser, inclosure). Since 1820, the forms with en- have predominated.^[1]

Synonyms

• (to surround with a wall &c.): incastellate, encastellate (used for cisterns, fountains, &c.); see also fortify

Translations

See also

• encircle
• encloser
• enclosable

References

Anagrams

• coleens