engulf

verb

en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf 

en-

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

in-ˈgəlf-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms of engulf

• flood
• overwhelm
• drown
• submerge

Examples of engulf in a Sentence

The valley was engulfed in a thick fog.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Hayden projected higher death levels in recent days in Chicago and Detroit, both of which have been engulfed by toxic air. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Shop Cooling Summer Dresses at REI This summer has proven to be particularly brutal, with heat waves engulfing a massive portion of the country. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Smoke from massive wildfires in Canada engulf the New York City skyline, reducing visibility and casting an orange haze over the city, July 16, 2026. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Flames from raging wildfires engulfed a train that was evacuating residents in Ontario, Canada. — Gina Park, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for engulf

• gulf
• gulph

Kids Definition

engulf

verb

en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf 

: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm

engulfment

-mənt 

noun