The phrase "close around" is sometimes spelled as one word, "closeround". This is because the two words are often pronounced together without a clear break. The IPA phonetic transcription for "close around" is /kləʊs əˈraʊnd/, where the stress is on the second syllable of "around". Although it is more commonly spelled as two separate words, the one-word spelling is still used in some contexts, such as in poetry or creative writing, to convey a sense of closeness or intimacy.
The term "close around" refers to the act of encircling or surrounding something or someone completely, typically in a tight and restrictive manner. It conveys the idea of enclosing or encompassing an object or individual from all sides, leaving little to no room for movement or escape.
In a physical sense, "close around" depicts the act of physically sealing off an area or object by bringing its surrounding elements closer together. For instance, a closed fist can be seen as the fingers closing around the palm, creating a tight and restricted space. Similarly, a building surrounded by high walls can be described as being closed around by its environment, cutting it off from the outside world.
Metaphorically, "close around" can also be used to describe a situation where someone or something is emotionally or mentally enveloped or overwhelmed. For example, a sense of suffocation or claustrophobia in a relationship might be described as feeling closed around by the partner’s demands and expectations.
In summary, "close around" implies an action of enclosing or surrounding from all sides, whether physically or metaphorically. It conveys a sense of confinement, restriction, and the limitation of movement or freedom, indicating a complete and tight encasement of the subject within its surrounding context.
The word "close" originated from the Old French term "clos", which meant "enclosed" or "confined". It derives from the Latin word "clausus", meaning "closed" or "shut". The term "close around" combines the word "close" with the preposition "around", indicating a surrounding or encircling action. The etymology of "around" comes from the Middle English term "arounde", which has Germanic roots. Its underlying meaning suggests movement in a circular or surrounding path. Combining "close" with "around" forms the phrase "close around", which implies enclosing or surrounding something in a circular manner.