encompass

Encompass means to completely surround or include something else.

When we talk about encompassing something, we usually mean that one thing covers or contains another. For example, if a big park encompasses several small lakes, it's like the park has its arms around those lakes, holding them safe inside. Sometimes we use "encompass" to describe the limits of an area – for instance, a new neighborhood might encompass several streets and buildings. In business, a company might say they're expanding their services to encompass more customers or needs. Generally, it's about wrapping something up tightly within its boundaries, like a big hug.