1. plural of encirclement; the act or process of surrounding or enclosing something completely
Usage: commonly used in military contexts; can also refer to literal or figurative surrounding
2. military maneuvers in which enemy forces are surrounded on all sides to cut off escape or reinforcement
Usage: military/tactical term

Examples

• The general planned multiple encirclements to trap the opposing army.
• The encirclements of the city lasted for several months during the war.
• Strategic encirclements were key to winning the battle.
• The protesters formed human encirclements around the building.
• Historical accounts describe the encirclements used in ancient siege warfare.
• The encirclements prevented any supplies from reaching the besieged forces.