Engirdling

Engirdling is the act of encircling, surrounding, or enveloping something completely, often in a restrictive or protective manner. It implies a physical or metaphorical embrace, a wrapping or encompassing that can both contain and, potentially, limit. The term suggests a sense of completeness, a thorough enclosure that may signify safety, captivity, or a strategic positioning depending on the context. The imagery conjured by 'engirdling' is often powerful, hinting at the dominance or control exerted by the encircling force. It can also highlight the vulnerability of the object or subject being engirdled. It is a more active and dramatic term than simply 'surrounding'.

Engirdling meaning with examples

• The ancient fortress, its stone walls rising dramatically, was designed to engirdle the entire valley, providing an impenetrable defense against potential invaders. The strategic placement of the towers and battlements formed a complete barrier. Soldiers could easily repel attacks by surveying the surrounding area. The fortress successfully deterred invasions for centuries, a testament to its formidable design.
• Fear, a cold and constricting emotion, began to engirdle her thoughts, preventing her from thinking clearly. The walls of worry closed in, cutting off all means of calm. The sense of dread intensified, making it difficult to breathe or focus. She could not think or act rationally until she broke free of the feeling.
• The city lights, blinking against the darkening sky, began to engirdle the approaching aircraft, its visibility diminishing with every moment. The glow provided guidance on a difficult decent. A safe and controlled landing was the top priority. The pilot used these lights to maintain orientation in challenging conditions.
• The thick, thorny vines, lush and invasive, would engirdle the abandoned house until only the roof remained visible. The vines were a symbol of decay. As the plantlife tightened its grip, the structure slowly collapsed from decay. Nature was in the process of reclaiming it, and that process showed no sign of ending anytime soon.