Definition
To surround or go around something or someone on all sides.
Example
Las montañas rodean el pequeño pueblo por completo.
Show translation
The mountains completely surround the small town.
Etymology
From Old Spanish *rodear*, derived from *rueda* ("wheel"), from Latin *rota* ("wheel"). The core image is circular motion — to wheel around something, encircling it completely.
Cultural note
*Rodear* is widely used across all Spanish-speaking regions without notable dialectal variation. Be careful not to confuse it with *rodearse de* ("to surround oneself with [people]"), a very common reflexive construction: *Me gusta rodearme de amigos* — "I like to surround myself with friends."