environ
/ɪnˈvʌɪrən
/ /ɛnˈvʌɪrən/verb [with object] formal
Surround; enclose: the stone circle was environed by an expanse of peat soil...
- You went about with your soul full of suspicion and hatred; you understood that you were environed by hostile powers that were trying to get your money and who used all the virtues to bait their traps with.
- Thus, under the dripping trees, and environed by huge and moving shadows, they reached the scene of their unhallowed labours.
- One of them began with an attempt to propitiate the powers which environ him and determine his destiny.…
Synonyms
surround, encircle, enclose, ring, envelop;
blanket, swathe, swaddle, wrap, cloak
Origin
Middle English (formerly also as inviron): from Old French environer, from environ 'surroundings', from en 'in' + viron 'circuit' (from virer 'to turn, veer').