engulf

1 of 2

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

engulfment

2 of 2

noun

en·​gulf·​ment "mənt 

plural -s

: the act of engulfing or state of being engulfed

Synonyms of engulf

Verb

• flood
• overwhelm
• drown
• submerge

Examples of engulf in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

And liquid nitrogen could transform custard into ice cream in the blink of an eye, engulfing the table in a theatrical fog. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

The Middle East remains engulfed in conflict, and the region is nowhere near the peace this prize supposedly celebrates. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Skeletons stand as tall as roof lines, porches are engulfed in spider webs, and front yards turn into grave sites. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026

The collision on the narrow two-lane highway ignited a fire that engulfed the 17-passenger mid-sized commercial shuttle bus, which had a 50-year-old driver and five passengers onboard, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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