張り巡らす

• Reading: はりめぐらす
• Romaji: harimegurasu
• Kanji breakdown: 張 (chō/ha) — stretch, set up; 巡 (jun/megu) — go around, encircle
• Pronunciation: /ha.ɾi.me.ɡɯ.ɾa.sɯ/

Meaning

To stretch around; to set up extensively throughout an area; to deploy a network; to lay something out comprehensively.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 張る (haru, to stretch/set up) and 巡らす (megurasu, to deploy around/encircle). Describes the act of setting something up so that it surrounds or permeates an area — surveillance cameras, defensive walls, a network of contacts, or a strategic web. The key nuance is comprehensive, encircling coverage rather than mere placement.

Examples

1. 会場の周囲には厳重なセキュリティが張り巡らされていた。 Tight security had been deployed all around the venue.
2. 彼は政界に幅広い人脈を張り巡らしていた。 He had built an extensive network of connections throughout the political world.
3. 古城の周りには深い堀と高い壁が張り巡らされていた。 Deep moats and high walls had been laid out around the old castle.

Usage Guide

Context: security, networking, politics, military

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 張る (haru, to stretch or set up) and 巡らす (megurasu, to make go around or encircle). The combination evokes spreading something outward in all directions so that it envelops or encircles an entire area completely.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal