enclose

[en-klohz] /ɛnˈkloʊz/
verb (used with object), enclosed, enclosing.
1.
to shut or hem in; close in on all sides:
a valley enclosed by tall mountains.
2.
to surround, as with a fence or wall:
to enclose land.
3.
to insert in the same envelope, package, or the like:
He enclosed a check. A book was sent with the bill enclosed.
4.
to hold or contain:
His letter enclosed a check.
5.
Roman Catholic Church.
  1. to restrict to the enclosure of a monastery or convent.
  2. (of a monastery, convent, church, etc.) to establish or fix the boundary of an enclosure.
Also, inclose.
Origin
1275-1325; Middle English en-, inclosen. See in-1, close
Related forms
enclosable, adjective
encloser, noun
preenclose, verb (used with object), preenclosed, preenclosing.
reenclose, verb (used with object), reenclosed, reenclosing.
self-enclosed, adjective
unenclosed, adjective
Synonyms
1, 2. encircle, encompass, ring, girdle.
Examples from the web for enclose
  • The four-story buildings surround and enclose the site.
  • Huge pots of lavender, their iridescent violet flowers reaching skyward, enclose a bench perfect for writing.
  • Continue to roll and enclose each filling as neatly as possible.
  • Get there early for a great spot by the caves that enclose this beach.
  • It is a typical containment for a large nuclear plant, big enough to enclose a high school gymnasium.
  • In autumn, leathery fruit capsules enclose glossy seeds.
  • Put butter in a pot or skillet deep enough to enclose the chicken.
  • Off to one side, a couple of loops of chicken wire enclose more dust and garbage and a few plants-a zinnia, a lanky avocado.
  • enclose each container in a plastic bag, fastening the bag closed to maintain humidity.
  • Cut and stack each fish fillet as needed to fit at the base of a leaf, leaving enough leaf open to enclose the fish.
British Dictionary definitions for enclose

enclose

/ɪnˈkləʊz/
verb (transitive)
1.
to close; hem in; surround
2.
to surround (land) with or as if with a fence
3.
to put in an envelope or wrapper, esp together with a letter
4.
to contain or hold
Derived Forms
enclosable, inclosable, adjective
encloser, incloser, noun
Word Origin and History for enclose
v.

early 14c., from en- (1) + close, and partially from Old French enclos, past participle of enclore.

Specific sense of "to fence in waste or common ground" for the purpose of cultivation or to give it to private owners, is from c.1500. Meaning "place a document with a letter for transmission" is from 1707. Related: Enclosed; enclosing.