envelop

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɛləp, ɛn-/

verb (envelops, enveloping, enveloped)

[with object]
  • wrap up, cover, or surround completely: a figure enveloped in a black cloak figurative a feeling of despair enveloped him

Derivatives

envelopment

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (formerly also as invelop(e)): from Old French envoluper, from en- 'in' + a second element (also found in develop) of unknown origin

Envelop is a verb, stressed on the second syllable and meaning ‘wrap completely’. The noun meaning ‘paper container for a letter’ is envelope, stressed on the first syllable.

Do not confuse envelop with envelope. Envelop means 'cover or surround something completely' ( the mist seemed to envelop the boat), whereas envelope means 'a paper container for a letter' ( a stamped addressed envelope).