Definition

1. Noun:
   • The action or state of surrounding something completely: "Encirclement" refers to the act of forming a circle around an object, area, or group, often to isolate or trap it.
   • A military tactic of surrounding an enemy force: In a military context, "encirclement" specifically denotes a strategic maneuver to cut off an enemy from reinforcements and supplies, leading to their isolation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The encirclement of the city by the army cut off all supply routes.
  • The protesters feared the police would attempt an encirclement of the square.
  • The general planned a swift encirclement of the enemy's flank.

Advanced Usage

• "To break an encirclement": To escape from or disrupt a surrounding force.
  • The troops fought bravely to break the enemy's encirclement.
• "Tactical encirclement": A planned military maneuver to surround a specific enemy unit.
  • The battle was won through a brilliant tactical encirclement.

Variants and Related Words

• Encircle (verb): To form a circle around; to surround.
  • The walls encircle the ancient town.
• Encircling (adjective): Describing something that surrounds.
  • The encircling mountains were beautiful.

Synonyms

• Siege: A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building.
• Blockade: An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
• Containment: The action of keeping something harmful under control or within limits.

Related Phrases

• Pincer movement: A military tactic where forces attack both sides of an enemy formation.
  • The pincer movement led to the complete encirclement of the battalion.
• Ring of steel: An idiom for a very tight security cordon or encirclement.
  • A ring of steel was placed around the capital during the summit.

Noun

1. a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy