Rodear (en. Surround)

/roˈðeaɾ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To place something around another thing.
They surrounded the table with chairs.
Rodearon la mesa con sillas.
To go around an object or place.
The soldiers surrounded the enemy camp.
Los soldados rodearon el campamento enemigo.
To besiege someone or something, usually in a defensive context.
The castle was surrounded by troops during the battle.
El castillo fue rodeado por las tropas durante la batalla.

Etymology

From the Latin 'rotare', meaning to turn.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to skirt around the issue
To avoid addressing a question directly.
rodear el asunto
to surround oneself with friends
To be accompanied by friends.
rodear de amistades
to surround the field
To make a circumvallation around an area.
rodear el campo

Related Words

circular
Having a circular shape.
circular
outline
Line that defines the shape of an object.
contorno
wrapping
The action of wrapping something.
envuelta

Slang Meanings

To surround someone so they can't escape, usually in a game or social context.
The friends surrounded Juan at the party so he couldn't leave.
Los amigos rodearon a Juan en la fiesta para que no se pudiera ir.
To approach an idea or topic indirectly.
You're skirting around the topic and not stating it directly.
Estás rodeando el tema y no lo estás diciendo directamente.