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Added 7 October 2026

enclose

/ənˈkloʊz/ verb

In Latin: saepiō, arceō, circumdō Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about enclose at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To surround with a wall, fence, etc.
to enclose lands
To insert into a container, usually an envelope or package.
Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you require a reply.

Origin

From Middle English enclosen, inclosen, from Middle English enclos, from Old French enclose, feminine plural past participle of enclore, from Vulgar Latin *inclaudō, *inclaudere, from Latin inclūdō (doublet of include), from in- (“in”) + claudō (“to shut”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂u- (“key, hook, nail”). Equivalent to en- + close.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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