Definition

1. Verb:
   • To surround or close in on all sides: To form a barrier or boundary around something, often physically.
   • To insert or include within something else: To place something inside an envelope, container, or document.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (to surround):
  • The ancient walls inclose the old city.
  • We plan to inclose the garden with a new fence.
• Verb (to insert/include):
  • Please inclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your application.
  • I will inclose the receipt inside the package.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Legal/Formal Context: "Inclose" is often used in formal, legal, or archaic texts. In modern everyday English, "enclose" is the far more common spelling for both meanings.
• Past Tense and Participles: The standard forms are inclosed (past simple/past participle) and inclosing (present participle/gerund).

Variants and Related Words

• Enclose (v): The standard modern spelling of "inclose," with identical meanings.
• Inclosure (n): An archaic or legal term for the act of inclosing or something that incloses (e.g., a piece of land). The modern term is "enclosure."
• Enclosure (n): 1. An area that is sealed off or surrounded. 2. Something included with a letter.

Synonyms

• Surround: To be all around something.
• Encircle: To form a circle around.
• Envelop: To wrap up, cover, or surround completely.
• Insert: To put or fit something inside something else.
• Include: To contain as part of a whole.

Antonyms

• Exclude: To deny access or leave out.
• Release: To set free from confinement.
• Open: To make accessible or not closed.

Related Phrases and Usage

• To inclose with: To surround using a specific material.
  • The pasture was inclosed with barbed wire.
• To inclose herein: A formal phrase meaning "to include within this document."
  • A copy of the contract is inclosed herein.

Verb

1. introduce
   • Insert your ticket here
2. surround completely
   • Darkness enclosed him
   • They closed in the porch with a fence