encapsulate

verb

en·​cap·​su·​late in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt 

en-

encapsulated; encapsulating

transitive verb

1

: to enclose in or as if in a capsule

a pilot encapsulated in the cockpit

2

: epitomize, summarize

encapsulate an era in an aphorism

intransitive verb

: to become encapsulated

encapsulation

in-ˌkap-sə-ˈlā-shən 

en-

noun

Did you know?

We’ll keep it brief by encapsulating the history of this word in just a few sentences. Encapsulate and its related noun, capsule, come to us from capsula, a diminutive form of the Latin noun capsa, meaning “box.” (Capsa also gave us the “container” or “box” meaning of the noun case.) The earliest examples of encapsulate are for its literal use (“to enclose something in a capsule”) and date to the late 19th century. Its extended meaning, “to give a summary or synopsis of something,” plays on the notion of a capsule being something compact, self-contained, and often easily digestible.

Synonyms

• abstract
• boil down
• brief
• digest
• epitomize
• outline
• recap
• recapitulate
• reprise
• sum up
• summarize
• synopsize
• wrap up

Examples of encapsulate in a Sentence

The contaminated material should be encapsulated and removed.

can you encapsulate the president's speech in about a paragraph?

Recent Examples on the Web

From boutiques such as Jenny Packham and Goyard on Mount Street to cultural treasures on Albemarle Street, Mayfair encapsulates London’s vibrant and diverse luxury scene. —Eva Ramirez, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The criticism encapsulated an ongoing culture war that has played out on social media between the right and left of the political spectrum. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 3 Dec. 2024

It’s all encapsulated (sorry) in a premium design with IP67 weather protection for outdoor adventures. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024

His vision encapsulates that shift and seamlessly integrates fast-moving, flexible environments that prioritize informal socialization, privacy, and a sense of community. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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Kids Definition

encapsulate

verb

en·​cap·​su·​late in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt 

encapsulated; encapsulating

1

: to enclose in a capsule

2

: to tell or relate (as a report) in a few words

encapsulation

-ˌkap-sə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

encapsulate

verb

en·​cap·​su·​late in-ˈkap-sə-ˌlāt 

encapsulated; encapsulating

transitive verb

: to surround, encase, or protect in or as if in a capsule

DNA has been encapsulated in microspheres

—Paul Smaglik

intransitive verb

: to become encapsulated

a bacillus that encapsulates in the human body

encapsulation

-ˌkap-sə-ˈlā-shən 

noun