WordGarden.ioensconce
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛnˈskɒns/transitiveverb
US
- /ɪnˈskɑns/
Meanings
Verb
to settle or place someone or something comfortably and securely
Beyond the definition
To settle yourself (or something else) into a safe, comfortable, or hidden place is to ensconce it. Think of a cat curling up in a warm patch of sunlight. The word suggests a deliberate move into a spot that feels secure and settled. You might ensconce yourself in an armchair with a good book, or a secret agent might ensconce important documents behind a false wall. It often suggests more than simply sitting somewhere; it means getting settled in a firm, secure way.
The word "ensconce" originally carried the idea of hiding or sheltering something. Today, it most often describes settling comfortably or securely into a place, often with the sense of being protected or tucked away. Imagine a king ensconcing himself on his throne, settled in place and fully at home there.
You can ensconce yourself physically: "She ensconced herself in a plush velvet chair, determined to finish the novel." Or you can ensconce something else: "He carefully ensconced the valuable painting behind layers of protective glass." It suggests more than just placing; it's about making something feel secure and well-situated.
The word often carries a slightly playful tone, suggesting coziness and contentment. But it can also describe someone becoming firmly settled in a position of power: "The new CEO quickly ensconced herself in the corner office."
Unlike simply "sitting" or "placing," ensconce implies deliberate action, comfort, security, and often, a degree of permanence. It's about finding your niche, making yourself at home, and settling in for the long haul—whether it's with a good book, a secret treasure, or a powerful position.
Examples
- 1
Home comfort
By the time we arrived, Grandpa was already ensconced in his favorite armchair with the newspaper.
- 2
Settling in
She ensconced herself in a corner booth and opened her laptop.
- Patternensconce yourself in + place
settle yourself comfortably there
- 3
Pet comfort
The cat spent the afternoon ensconced among the clean towels in the laundry basket.
- 4
Workplace status
After the promotion, he seemed permanently ensconced behind his office door.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political power
The party has been ensconced in power for decades.
- Phraseensconced in power
firmly established in a position of control
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ensconceverb
Forms
- ensconcedpast tenseverb
- ensconcesverb
- ensconcing-ing formverb