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

Authorities have identified three victims in a deadly crash after a Tesla crashed into a tree and was engulfed in flames in El Dorado Hills late Saturday night. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

With the broader region engulfed in conflict and Saudi Arabia distracted, the Houthis made their move against a coastal Yemeni force that has been left exposed. — Mahad D. Darar, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

The conflict between these characters is greater than the morality tale engulfing them. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Silverman said firefighters arrived to find the helicopter and several vehicles fully engulfed in flames. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Sep. 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