Other forms: encompasses, encompassing, encompassed
To encompass is to include a wide range within its scope. Encompass all ages, the term encompasses both, encompass everything.
It claims breadth rather than depth, which is why it suits definitions and remits — a policy that encompasses several areas covers them without saying how well. The literal sense is to surround. Note compass, which here means a circuit or range, as in the compass of a voice.
1verbencompassTo include a wide range within its scope.
“The course encompasses everything from ancient history to the present day.”
encompass is an including.
En- plus compass, from Old French compas, a circuit, from Latin com plus passus, a step. Compass and pace come from the same stepping.
Middle English
encompassen
English, today
encompass
From Middle English encompassen. by surface analysis, en + en + compass.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA