Standard Lemma guide

ensphere

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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  • rhymes with -ɪə(ɹ)

1

verb

Meaning 1

To place in a sphere; to surround in all directions (as if) by a sphere (one of the concentric hollow transparent globes formerly believed to rotate around the Earth).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • c. 1624, George Chapman (translator), “Hymn to Hermes” by Homer in The Hymns of Homer; The Batrachomyomachia; and Two Original Poetical Hymns, Chistnick: C. Whittingham, 1818, p. 64, His ample shoulders in a cloud enspher’d Of fiery crimson.
  • 1634, John Milton, Comus, London: Humphrey Robinson, 1637, p. 1, Before the starrie threshold of Ioves Court My mansion is, where those immortall shapes Of bright aëreall Spirits live insphear’d In Regions mild of calme and serene aire,

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: engulf, envelop

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To form into a sphere.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • 1938, T. F. Higham (translator), Song 142 (“The Moon”) by Sappho, in The Oxford Book of Greek Verse in Translation, Oxford University Press, p. 140, Bright stars, around the fair Selênê peering, No more their beauty to the night discover When she, at full, her silver light ensphering, Floods the world over.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From en- + sphere.