enclose

== English == === Alternative forms === inclose (was as common as or more common than enclose until the early 1800s, is now uncommon) === Etymology === From Middle English enclosen, inclosen, from Middle English enclos, from Old French enclose, feminine plural past participle of enclore, from Vulgar Latin *inclaudō, *inclaudere, from Latin inclūdō (doublet of include), from in- (“in”) + claudō (“to shut”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂u- (“key, hook, nail”). Equivalent to en- +‎ close. === Pronunciation === (Canada) IPA(key): /ənˈkloʊz/ (UK) IPA(key): /ɪnˈkləʊz/ (US) IPA(key): /ɪnˈkloʊz/ Rhymes: -əʊz === Verb === enclose (third-person singular simple present encloses, present participle enclosing, simple past and past participle enclosed) (transitive) To surround with a wall, fence, etc. (transitive) To insert into a container, usually an envelope or package. ==== Usage notes ==== Until about 1820, it was common to spell this word, and the derived terms encloser and enclosure, with in- (i.e. as inclose, incloser, inclosure). Since 1820, the forms with en- have predominated. ==== Synonyms ==== (to surround with a wall &c.): incastellate, encastellate (used for cisterns, fountains, &c.); see also fortify ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === encircle encloser enclosable === References === === Anagrams === coleens