Encirclements

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The action or process of surrounding or enclosing something completely
2. Instances or strategies of creating a perimeter around a target or area for control; a series of surrounding layers in a tactical context
3. The state of being enveloped or contained by a boundary, often used in military or strategic scenarios

Etymology: "Encirclements" is the plural of "encirclement," which is formed from the verb "encircle" plus the noun suffix "-ment." "Encircle" itself is built from "en-," a prefix meaning "in" or "make into" (borrowed from Old French "en-," from Latin "in-"), and "circle," which came into English from Old French "cercle" and ultimately from Latin "circulus," a diminutive of "circus," meaning "ring" or "circle." The verb "encircle" appeared in English in the 16th century, and "encirclement" followed later as a noun for the act or result of surrounding something. Its plural form, "encirclements," refers to multiple such acts or situations, which is why it is common in military writing, where a force may be surrounded on several sides at once.

Synonyms: surroundings, envelopments