umspielen
Translation
to play around, to lap against, to flow around, to flicker around
Examples
Das Wasser umspielt die Felsen.
The water laps against the rocks.
Ein Lächeln umspielte ihre Lippen.
A smile played on her lips.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to play around sth. A smile umspielte her lips.
Similar Words
umgeben (to surround), umfließen (to flow around)
Etymology
Composed of 'um-' (around) and 'spielen' (to play). The literal sense is 'to play around'.
Memory Tips
Picture water 'playing around' a stone in a creek, or a subtle smile 'playing around' the lips. Note this is an inseparable verb.