enshroud
UK[ɪnˈʃraʊd]US[ɪnˈʃraʊd]
v
to cover or surround something completely so that it can no longer be seen
v
to make something unclear or difficult to understand
Morpheme Breakdown
en
shroud
en
to cause to be
shroud
covering cloth
Etymology
the word enshroud is a relatively modern english formation, dating from the late 16th century. it is a compound verb created by combining the causative prefix 'en-' with the noun 'shroud'. the noun 'shroud' itself has ancient roots, descending from old english 'scrūd', meaning clothing or a garment, which is related to old norse 'skrūð' meaning attire. the specific association of 'shroud' with a burial cloth developed in middle english. therefore, the literal construction "to put into or cover with a shroud" evolved into the modern figurative meanings of enveloping in darkness, mist, or secrecy, effectively obscuring something from view or understanding.
Analysis
Structure: en (to cause to be) + shroud (covering cloth)
en is a prefix of french origin, ultimately from latin in-, meaning "to cause to be, put into, or cover with". shroud is a noun of old english origin (scrūd), meaning "a garment or covering cloth".
Examples
thick fog enshrouded the coastline, making navigation perilous.
the details of the political deal were enshrouded in mystery.
the ancient ruins were enshrouded by dense jungle for centuries.