engulf

verb

en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
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 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 The best mosquito traps for the home and yard These trendy blankets engulf the body in warmth using infrared frequencies which may give skin cells a regenerative treatment similar to actual saunas. Mason Leib, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2024 Sometimes the tube becomes unattached, and I’m engulfed by a tsunami of piss. Tracey Emin, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024 Delicious aromas of cinnamon and baking apples will soon engulf your kitchen. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2024 Civil Protection official André Fernandes said that three firefighters had died while traveling by road Tuesday, but it was not known whether their vehicle had crashed before it was engulfed by flames. Helena Alves and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for engulf 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'engulf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engulf was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near engulf

Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engulf. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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