engulf

en·gulf

verb \in-ˈgəlf, en-\

Definition of ENGULF

transitive verb

1

: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm <the mounting seas threatened to engulf the island>

2

: to take in (food) by or as if by flowing over and enclosing

— en·gulf·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of ENGULF

1. The valley was engulfed in a thick fog.
2. <high waves from the hurricane engulfed large areas of the coastal community>

First Known Use of ENGULF

1555

Related to ENGULF

Synonyms: deluge, drown, flood, gulf, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp

Antonyms: drain

Related Words: avalanche, smother; overcome, overrun; flow, flush, gush, pour, sluice, spout, spurt, stream; douse (also dowse), drench, soak, wet

Near Antonyms: dehydrate, dry, parch

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