enfold
|en-fold|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈfoʊld/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈfəʊld/
to wrap or cover
Etymology
'enfold' originates from the prefix 'en-' (from Old French/Old English 'in-', meaning 'in, into') combined with the verb 'fold' (Old English 'fealdan' or 'foldian', meaning 'to fold').
'enfold' appeared in Middle English as 'enfolden' (or variants) formed from 'en-' + 'folden' and eventually simplified to modern English 'enfold'.
Initially, it meant 'to fold inward or to wrap by folding,' but over time it also took on extended meanings such as 'to embrace' or 'to include/contain' in a figurative sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to wrap, cover, or surround someone or something by folding material around it; to envelop physically.
Enfold the infant in the blanket before you go outside.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to hold someone closely in one's arms; to embrace or clasp affectionately (often used figuratively).
Let friendship enfold those who are grieving.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/08/13 17:50