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to compass

to compass

7.7
To travel all the way around something, for example the world or an island
  • verb
  • /ˈkʌmpəs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : circunnavegar
  • Our ship can compass the globe in just a few weeks as we travel from port to port.

Examples

  • We the globe can compass soon, swifter than the wandering moon.

  • We the globe can compass soon, swifter than the wandering moon.

  • As the Lord spake unto me, and we accomp and we compass the Mount Seir many days.

  • At the helm, a wrist with no body, to steer the ships through the rest of the end of space: that he can compass the entire Earth—even absent—with his embrace.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The team plans to compass the entire island by sailing around it next summer.

  • With careful navigation, we can compass the world in under 80 days.

Synonyms

to travel the world
vsto compass
43 2.6

To visit many countries and see different cultures

focuses on making a full circuit rather than visiting many separate countries
to sail around
vsto compass
7 3.2

Travel by boat around a place like a coast or lake

is used for complete journeys not limited to boat travel
to circumnavigate
vsto compass
6 8.3

To travel all the way around something, for example the world, by ship or plane

is the broader verb phrase for the same complete journey around something
to globe-trot
vsto compass
1 5.1

To travel around the world to see new places for fun

is about completing a whole circuit rather than leisure sightseeing trips
to peregrinate
vsto compass
  • Formal
9.9

To travel around a place, usually on foot

is used for full circuits often travelled by ship or plane

Antonyms

1.0

To remain in one place and not leave

1.0

To stay in the same place or state and not change

Idioms

9.9

To say all the compass points in order and name every direction

Compounds

A direction that a compass shows, like north or northeast

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

compass card
  • Specialized
6.7

A round disc on a compass that turns so its north mark points to magnetic north

compass flower
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant whose leaves point north and south

compass north
  • Specialized
3.5

The direction the north end of a magnetic needle points toward on Earth

compass plane
  • Specialized
9.9

A hand tool with a flexible bottom for smoothing inside and outside curves in wood

compass plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American prairie plant with long leaves that point north and south and bright red flowers

compass saw
  • Specialized
7.9

A small tool with a long, narrow, pointed blade for cutting tight curves in wood

A tool on a ship that shows direction by a needle pointing north

radio compass
  • Specialized
6.5

A device that shows direction by receiving radio signals

Surface Forms

compass infinitive
compassed past
compassed past participle
compassing present participle
compasses third person singular

Etymology

Compass meaning 'to travel around' is a direct use of the roots com- 'together' and passus 'step' — it means 'go around'. To compass the world is simply to make a complete journey all the way around it.