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

Paris on the one wing and Nancy on the other forbade the threat of encirclement which had hitherto compelled retreat; and the French armies were also at last in touch with their reserves.

From A Short History of the Great War by Pollard, A. F. (Albert Frederick)