an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.

the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter

You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.

space within limits; area; extent; range; scope

the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel.

Also called range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.

due or proper limits; moderate bounds

Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.

a passing round; circuit

the compass of a year.

Often, compasses. an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with pair of )

to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle.

( initial capital letter ) Astronomy .

Also called Mariner's Compass. the constellation Pyxis.

Compasses, the constellation Circinus.

curved; forming a curve or arc

a compass timber; compass roof.

to go or move round; make the circuit of

It would take a week to compass his property on foot.

to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle

An old stone wall compasses their property.

to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain.

to contrive; plot; scheme

to compass a treacherous plan.

to make curved or circular.

to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind

His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.

verb

fail , lose

noun

ambit , area , bound , circle , circuit , circumference , circumscription , confines , domain , enclosure , environs , expanse , extent , field , limit , limitation , orbit , perimeter , precinct , purlieus , purview , radius , range , reach , realm , restriction , round , scope , sphere , stretch , sweep , zone , periphery , capacity , extension , swing

verb

beset , besiege , blockade , circle , circumscribe , encircle , encompass , environ , gird , girdle , hem in , ring , round , surround , accomplish , annex , attain , bring about , effect , execute , fulfill , gain , have , land , obtain , perform , procure , realize , secure , win , begird , belt , cincture , engirdle , girt , hedge , hem , accept , apprehend , catch , comprehend , conceive , fathom , follow , get , grasp , make out , read , see , sense , take , take in , understand , area , boundary , bounds , circuit , circumference , confine , enclose , field , horizon , instrument , radius , range , reach , scope , sphere