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

Three people have been prosecuted over that fire, which engulfed Lura National Park. — Angela Charlton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The trailer was fully engulfed when crews arrived, the sherriff’s office said. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Its cells would then engulf the food particle and break it down into its constituent molecules. — ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

The fire had already engulfed the fifth-wheel camper, which had four family members inside, before first responders arrived on the scene. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 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