Engirdling

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Encompassing or forming a ring around an object or area, often suggesting complete or partial encirclement
2. Wrapping or enclosing something in a circular manner, typically to enclose or bind it
3. To closely surround or gird something, creating a band or ring around it

Etymology: "Engirdling" is the present participle of "engirdle", which means to encircle something with a belt or band. The verb is formed from the prefix "en-", meaning "in" or "into" or "to make", attached to "girdle", a belt or band worn around the waist. To engirdle is therefore to put a girdle around something, or to bind something with a ring-like band. The base word "girdle" is the older and more familiar of the two. Its sense of a cincture or belt has been in use for a long time, and the verb built on it follows the common English pattern of turning a noun into an action by adding "en-", as in "enclose", "encircle" and "enrich". Because the prefix adds the idea of putting something around or into, the literal sense of wrapping stays visible in the word's structure.

Synonyms: surrounding, encircling, enclosing

Antonyms: exposing, revealing, uncovering