'encapsulate' originates from modern formation in English (late 19th century), built from the prefix 'en-' + 'capsule' + the verb-forming suffix '-ate'. 'Capsule' comes from Latin 'capsula' meaning 'small box' or 'case'.

'encapsulate' was formed by analogy with verbs created from nouns (for example, 'encase') and reflects earlier Latin 'capsula' via French/English 'capsule'; the word appears in scientific and technical usage in the late 1800s and entered wider figurative use later.

Initially, it meant 'to put into a capsule or case' (a literal, physical action); over time it gained the figurative sense 'to express or contain the essential features succinctly', which is common in modern usage.