environ

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvʌɪrən, ɛn-/

verb

[with object] formal
  • surround; enclose: the stone circle was environed by an expanse of peat soil

Origin:

Middle English (formerly also as inviron): from Old French environer, from environ 'surroundings', from en 'in' + viron 'circuit' (from virer 'to turn, veer')