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engulf

verb en·gulf \ in-ˈgəlf , en- \
|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Definition of engulf

engulfed; engulfing; engulfs
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
—

engulfment

play \in-ˈgəlf-mənt, en-\ noun

See engulf defined for English-language learners

See engulf defined for kids

Examples of engulf in a Sentence

  1. The valley was engulfed in a thick fog.

  2. high waves from the hurricane engulfed large areas of the coastal community

Recent Examples of engulf from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'engulf.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of engulf

1555

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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engulf Synonyms

Synonyms

deluge, drown, flood, gulf, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp;

Antonyms

drain;

Near Antonyms

dehydrate, dry, parch;

Related Words

avalanche, smother;

overcome, overrun;

flow, flush, gush, pour, sluice, spout, spurt, stream;

douse (also dowse), drench, soak, wet;

ENGULF Defined for English Language Learners

engulf

verb

Definition of engulf for English Language Learners

  • : to flow over and cover (someone or something)

ENGULF Defined for Kids

engulf

verb en·gulf \ in-ˈgəlf \

Definition of engulf for Students

engulfed; engulfing
1 : to flow over and cover or surround
  • The town was engulfed by the flood.
2 : to be overwhelmed by
  • He was engulfed by fear.

Learn More about engulf

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for engulf Spanish Central: Translation of engulf Nglish: Translation of engulf for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of engulf for Arabic speakers

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