engulf

verb

en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
en-
engulfed; engulfing; engulfs
Synonyms of engulfnext

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After the Mexican military killed an infamous drug lord, a charming town in Jalisco state was engulfed in 24 hours of terror. Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The breakdown in relations became one of the most visible symbols of the deep political crisis that engulfed Venezuela during Maduro’s rule, as Washington imposed sweeping sanctions and sought to isolate the socialist government internationally. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 Advertisement The conflict has now engulfed several other countries and territories, with no immediate end in sight. Callum Sutherland, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 Three vehicles traveled off the roadway, struck a light pole and became fully engulfed in flames, police said. Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engulf

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engulf was in 1555

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Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engulf. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

engulf

verb
en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm
engulfment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on engulf

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