encirclement

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cardinal Richelieu countered encirclement in the 1600s with a masked war of diplomacy to win allies and delay confrontation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

This frequently happens in sieges, such as Germany's encirclement of Leningrad during World War II.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2024

General Syrsky said he had ordered the retreat “in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen.”

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said early Saturday that he was withdrawing troops from the city, where outnumbered defenders battled a Russian assault for four months, to avoid encirclement and save soldiers’ lives.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Tidings of victory of course; and of one especial victory which they had felt peculiarly pleasant and ermutigend, the defeat and complete encirclement, that is, of the small British Expeditionary Force.

From The Red Cross Barge by Lowndes, Marie Belloc