Surround

Surround is a verb meaning to encircle or enclose on all sides, or to lie around or near something as a boundary or setting. It can describe physical barriers, spatial relationships, or conditions that encircle an area or object.

The noun surround is less commonly used by itself; more often, the related noun surroundings refers to the environment or area around something. The adjective surrounding is used to describe things in the area around a central feature, as in surrounding towns or surrounding conditions.

In practical use, surround appears in several domains. Physically, a fortress may be surrounded by a moat, a garden can be surrounded by hedges, or a house can be surrounded by trees. In geography and planning, surround describes the relationship between a central feature and its neighboring land or communities, or the surrounding area that provides context for a site.

In technology and media, surround is associated with immersive experiences. Surround sound uses multiple audio channels to create the sensation of sound coming from the sides and rear, enhancing spatial perception. Surround systems also appear in vehicle cameras or displays, where a surround view or surround display provides a multi-perspective or top-down representation of the surroundings.

Examples: A city is surrounded by mountains. The investors considered the surrounding infrastructure when planning the project. The film’s surround sound track enhances the audience’s sense of space.