compass meaning and definition

COMPASS noun

Definition of compass (noun)

1. navigational instrument for finding directions
2. an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control
   • "the range of a supersonic jet"; "a piano has a greater range than the human voice"; "the ambit of municipal legislation"; "within the compass of this article"; "within the scope of an investigation"; "outside the reach of the law"; "in the political orbit of a world power"
   • synonyms: ambit, orbit, range, reach, scope
3. the limit of capability
   • "within the compass of education"
   • synonyms: grasp, range, reach
4. drafting instrument used for drawing circles

COMPASS verb

Definition of compass (verb)

1. bring about; accomplish
   • "This writer attempts more than his talents can compass"
2. travel around, either by plane or ship
   • "We compassed the earth"
   • synonyms: circumnavigate
3. get the meaning of something
   • "Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?"
   • synonyms: apprehend, comprehend, dig, get the picture, grasp, grok, savvy