to compass
1
7.4
- verb
- /ˈkʌmpəs/
- Archaic
:
circundar
- The soldiers compassed the enemy's camp to prevent any escape.
Examples
-
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
Blog text (25) -
Now all the blessings Of a glad father compass thee about!
-
When you therefore shall see Jerusalem to be compassed about with an army, then know ye that the desolation thereof shall draw nigh.
Blog text (12) -
As the storm grew stronger, the clouds compassed the entire valley, blocking out the sun.
-
The ivy plants compassed the old tree, covering its trunk completely.
Synonyms
∞
1.7
To be all around a person or thing on every side
33
3.4
To form a circle around a person or thing
Completely surround something, often in a round shape like a ball
Idioms
Compounds
1
3.1
A tool with a needle that points toward the Earth's magnetic north to show direction
One of the four main directions on a compass: north, east, south, or west
- Specialized
A round disc on a compass that turns so its north mark points to magnetic north
- Specialized
The direction the north end of a magnetic needle points toward on Earth
- Specialized
A hand tool with a flexible bottom for smoothing inside and outside curves in wood
- Specialized
A North American prairie plant with long leaves that point north and south and bright red flowers
- Specialized
A small tool with a long, narrow, pointed blade for cutting tight curves in wood
Surface Forms
Etymology
Compass meaning 'to surround' comes from the same circle idea: to go or move around something so it is enclosed. That's why to compass a place can mean to encircle or close it in.