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
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.
The weekslong political crisis engulfing the Asian nation has already shaken financial markets and caused disquiet in neighboring capitals. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 Horrifying video shows the suspect sitting on the bench calmly watching as the flames engulfed the woman, who got to her feet and was standing helplessly near the subway car’s open door. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024 After the impact, the trailer detached from the Honda Pilot, and the SUV caught fire, becoming fully engulfed with flames. Adam D. Young, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Dec. 2024 Robinson woke up to the flames engulfing the home across the street, saw the fire and learned someone died. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near engulf

Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engulf. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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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