umzingeln
Translation
to surround, to encircle, to besiege
Examples
Die Polizei umzingelte das Gebäude.
The police surrounded the building.
Feindliche Truppen haben die Stadt umzingelt.
Enemy troops have surrounded the city.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to surround (sb./sth.) The army surrounded the enemy fortress.
Similar Words
Synonyms: umgeben (to surround), einkreisen (to encircle); Antonyms: befreien (to free)
Etymology
From the prefix 'um-' (around) and 'Zingel', an old word for a castle wall. Literally 'to put a wall around'.
Memory Tips
Imagine drawing a 'Ring' (ring) 'um' (around) something to 'umzingeln' it, like police surrounding a building.