enwreathe

The children enwreathe the maypole with colorful ribbons.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To encircle or adorn with a wreath: "enwreathe" means to form a ring or circle around something, or to decorate it with a wreath or similar garland-like arrangement.
   • To entwine or intertwine: It can also mean to wind or weave something around an object, creating a pattern of encircling strands.

Usage Examples

• To encircle with a wreath:

  • The ancient custom was to enwreathe the victor’s head with laurel leaves. (To place a wreath on the winner’s head as a symbol of honour.)
  • The garden was enwreathed with ivy, giving it a timeless, romantic look. (The garden was encircled or adorned with ivy, like a wreath.)

• To entwine or intertwine:

  • The sculptor enwreathed the marble column with a delicate vine motif. (The artist carved a pattern of winding vines around the column.)
  • Mist enwreathed the mountaintop, creating a mysterious atmosphere. (Mist formed a circling layer around the peak, as if wrapping it.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be enwreathed in something": to be surrounded or enveloped by something, often figuratively.

  • The old castle was enwreathed in legends and folklore. (The castle was surrounded by stories, as if wrapped in them.)
  • Her smile was enwreathed in mystery. (Her smile seemed to be encircled by an air of mystery.)

• "to enwreathe oneself": to adorn or surround oneself with something.

  • The queen enwreathed herself with jewels and silks. (She adorned herself with luxurious items, as if forming a wreath around her.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wreathe (verb): to form into a wreath; to encircle or adorn.
  • The smoke wreathed around the chimney. (The smoke curled and encircled the chimney.)
• Wreath (noun): a ring-shaped arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other materials.
  • She placed a wreath on the door for Christmas. (A circular decoration for the holiday.)

Synonyms

• Garland: to decorate or adorn with a wreath or chain of flowers.
• Encircle: to form a circle around something.
• Envelop: to wrap up, surround, or cover completely.
• Intertwine: to twist or wind together.

Related Idioms

• "To wreathe in smiles": to have a face full of smiles, as if encircled by them.
  • Her face was wreathed in smiles when she heard the good news. (She smiled broadly, as if smiles surrounded her face.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Enwreathe with: to adorn or surround with something.
  • They enwreathed the statue with fresh flowers. (They placed flowers around the statue in a wreath-like manner.)