Surround Meaning
Surround Definition & Usage
To enclose or be all around something or someone.
Examples
- "The city was surrounded by a high wall for protection."
- "The house was surrounded by a beautiful garden."
- "She felt surrounded by friends during the difficult times."
- "The soldiers surrounded the enemy’s camp at dawn."
- "Wildflowers surrounded the quiet pond, creating a picturesque scene."
To be in close proximity to something, often leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or immersed.
Examples
- "She was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city."
- "The children were surrounded by toys and distractions."
- "He felt surrounded by negative thoughts after the argument."
- "Surrounded by loud voices, she could hardly hear her own thoughts."
- "In the crowded concert hall, they were surrounded by music and excitement."
To form a protective barrier or perimeter around something, often as a defense.
Examples
- "The security team surrounded the VIP with a tight circle of guards."
- "They surrounded the area with fencing to keep people out."
- "The protesters surrounded the building to prevent anyone from leaving."
- "The police surrounded the suspect’s house during the standoff."
- "They surrounded the injured animal to protect it from harm."
Cultural Context
The word 'surround' has been used since the Middle English period, originally from Old French 'surrondre', which meant to encircle or enclose. The word has various nuances, ranging from the physical sense of enclosing an object or area to the metaphorical use of feeling enveloped or immersed by something.
The Circle of Protection
Story
The Circle of Protection
In a quiet village nestled between hills, a young girl named Emma sat by the side of a large oak tree. She had always felt a deep connection to the forest that surrounded her home. One evening, a storm began to roll in, dark clouds covering the sky. As the wind picked up, Emma knew the storm would soon be fierce, but she didn’t feel afraid. The forest surrounded her like an old friend, offering its protection. The tall trees, which always seemed so distant in the daylight, now stood close, creating a barrier around her. Emma looked around, marveling at the way the storm was contained within this circle of trees. She thought about how, in many ways, she had always felt 'surrounded'—by her family, by her friends, by her community. Even in times of trouble, she knew she was never truly alone. She smiled, grateful for the shelter the forest gave her, just as the people in her life had always surrounded her with love and support. The storm raged on, but Emma sat in peace, surrounded by the world she knew so well.
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