The phrase "to surround the territory" means to encircle or border a particular area or piece of land from all sides, without leaving any gaps or openings. Full definition
Interlocking multiples of this form severely order the space around them, engaging a far greater amount of surrounding territory than ought to be possible by the right - angled intersection of two thin planes.» (en.wikipedia.org)
As cities spread into surrounding territories, roadways clog, pollution increases, social inequities expand, and the costs of municipal services like sewers and the police rise. (discovermagazine.com)
While most ants defend only their nests, fire ants ferociously defend surrounding territory, too, often over 1,000 square feet, and their stings are memorable even to mammals. (discovermagazine.com)