What does encurtain mean?
Encurtain is a rare English transitive verb meaning to put a curtain over, around, or across something. It is especially suited to describing a space, object, or view deliberately veiled, screened from view, or separated from its surroundings by drapery. In literary, theatrical, or historical prose, the verb can add a sense of enclosure and deliberate concealment: a bed alcove might be encurtained, or a musician might perform behind encurtained partitions. Ordinary modern usage would usually prefer the plainer verbs curtain, veil, or screen, depending on context. Although unusual today, encurtain is readily analyzable as the prefix en- added to curtain, and it belongs to the same English vocabulary as curtain, which comes from Old French courtine and Latin cortīna, a hanging or curtain. Its rarity makes it valuable chiefly for precise, vivid description rather than routine conversation. Used deliberately, however, it can capture with economical force the act of concealing something behind a theatrical barrier or drawing a visual boundary around it.
verbTo put a curtain over, around, or across something, especially in order to conceal or separate it from view.
- To put a curtain over, around, or across something, especially to conceal or separate it from view.
"The organisers encurtained the viewing platform to shield the manuscript from the cameras."
"The heavy velvet encurtained the windows of the old theatre."
"She encurtained the alcove before the dignitary entered."
At its most literal, encurtain means to put a curtain around something: privacy or drama, wrapped up in one word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does encurtain come from?
Encurtain is an English formation created by adding the prefix en- to curtain. Curtain comes through Old French courtine from Latin cortīna, meaning a hanging or curtain. The Latin word also underlies cognates such as cortina, while later English derivatives include curtaining and curtainless.
Related word forms
How encurtain is actually used
Rare and chiefly literary or historical in modern English; curtain, screen, or veil will usually sound more natural. The standard US pronunciation has a rhotic final r: /ɛnˈkɝtən/.
Easily confused with encurtain
Encurtain means to cover or conceal something with a curtain, whereas entertain means to provide amusement or to receive guests.