enfold
UK[ɪnˈfəʊld]US[ɪnˈfoʊld]
v
To surround or cover something completely by wrapping or folding it in something else.
v
To hold or clasp someone or something in one's arms.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
fold
en
cause to be
fold
bend
Etymology
The word 'enfold' is a transparent compound formed within Middle English by combining the native prefix 'en-' with the verb 'fold'. The prefix 'en-', derived from the Old English intensive prefix 'in-', carries the sense of "to put into a certain state or condition." The core verb 'fold' descends from the Proto-Germanic falthaną, meaning "to bend or plait," which itself can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root pel- meaning "to fold." Thus, the literal construction "to cause to be folded" evolved into the modern abstract meanings of enveloping something by wrapping it or embracing it within one's arms, perfectly capturing the action of surrounding with layers.
Analysis
Structure: en (cause to be) + fold (bend)
en: A prefix of Germanic origin, via Old English and French, meaning "to cause to be, put into, or cover."
fold: A verb of Germanic origin (Old English fealdan), meaning "to bend or lay one part over another."
Examples
She used a soft cloth to enfold the delicate antique vase.
He reached out to enfold her in a comforting hug.
Mist began to enfold the distant hills as evening fell.