to compass
- verb
- /ˈkʌmpəs/
- Archaic
- 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 visit many countries and see different cultures
Travel by boat around a place like a coast or lake
To travel all the way around something, for example the world, by ship or plane
To travel around the world to see new places for fun
To travel around a place, usually on foot
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
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 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.