surround
Translation
to surround, to encircle, to enclose
Examples
Tall trees surround the lake.
Tall trees surround the lake.
The police surrounded the building.
The police surrounded the building.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to be all around (sth./sb.) Tall trees surround the lake.
((sth./sb.)) ((with sth.)) to enclose (sth./sb.) with (sth.) They surrounded the castle with a moat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: encircle, enclose, encompass; Antonyms: release, free
Etymology
From Old French 'suronder' (to overflow), from 'sur-' (over) + 'onder' (to wave, from Latin 'unda' - wave). The meaning shifted to 'go around'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'sur-' (around) and 'round'. To go all the way 'round' something, to be on all sides of it.