environ

[en-vahy-ruh n, -vahy-ern] /ɛnˈvaɪ rən, -ˈvaɪ ərn/
verb (used with object)
1.
to form a circle or ring round; surround; envelop:
a house environed by pleasant grounds; to be environed by bad influences.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English envirounen < Old French environner, derivative of environ around (en en-1 + viron a circle; vir(er) to turn, veer + -on noun suffix)
Related forms
unenvironed, adjective

environs

[en-vahy-ruh nz, -vahy-ernz, en-ver-uh nz, -vahy-ernz] /ɛnˈvaɪ rənz, -ˈvaɪ ərnz, ˈɛn vər ənz, -vaɪ ərnz/
plural noun
1.
the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city; outskirts; suburbs.
2.
surrounding objects; surroundings; environment.
3.
an area or space close by; vicinity.
Origin
1655-65; < French (plural); replacing Middle English environ < Old French, noun use of environ around; see environ
Examples from the web for environ
  • So to say it harms the environ and call for its ban is plain ignorant.
  • Feel better, breathe easier, and enjoy a more pleasant and healthy environ- ment.
  • environ mental impact statements may do no more, and are still worth the effort.
British Dictionary definitions for environ

environ

/ɪnˈvaɪrən/
verb
1.
(transitive) to encircle or surround
Word Origin
C14: from Old French environner to surround, from environ around, from en-1 + viron a circle, from virer to turn, veer1

environs

/ɪnˈvaɪrənz/
plural noun
1.
a surrounding area or region, esp the suburbs or outskirts of a town or city; vicinity
Word Origin and History for environ
v.

late 14c. (implied in environing), "to surround," from Old French environer "to surround, enclose, encircle," from environ "round about," from en- "in" (see en- (1)) + viron "circle, circuit," from virer "to turn" (see veer). Related: Environed.

environs

n.

"outskirts," 1660s, from French environs, plural of Old French environ "compass, circuit," from environ (adv.) "around, round about" (see environ).

Related Abbreviations for environ

environ.

  1. environment
  2. environmental