engulf

[ en-guhlf ]

verb (used with object)

1. to swallow up in or as in a gulf; submerge:

   The overflowing river has engulfed many small towns along its banks.

   Synonyms: swamp, deluge, inundate, bury, envelop

2. to plunge or immerse, as into a gulf:

   He engulfed himself in his studies.

engulf

/ ɪnˈɡʌlf /

verb

1. to immerse, plunge, bury, or swallow up
2. often passive to overwhelm

   engulfed by debts

Derived Forms

• enˈgulfment, noun

Other Words From

• en·gulfment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of engulf¹

First recorded in 1545–55; en- ¹ + gulf

Example Sentences

The morning of the Camp fire, he had a doctor’s appointment in Chico and left his home in Paradise before the town was engulfed.

From Los Angeles Times

The smoke from the farm fires engulfs Delhi every winter and hangs low in the atmosphere as wind speeds reduce during winter months.

From BBC

After a flood engulfs the cat’s home, it finds itself in a small sailboat along with the other three animals.

From Los Angeles Times

Air pollution in India's capital Delhi has soared to extremely severe levels, choking residents and engulfing the city in thick smog.

From BBC

The Los Angeles Fire Department said the Autozone on the 1300 block of Highland Avenue at the intersection of Fountain Avenue was engulfed when firefighters arrived after a 911 call at 4:21 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bury
• consume
• encompass
• envelop
• flood
• immerse
• inundate
• overrun
• overwhelm
• plunge
• submerge
• swamp