engulf

ihng-GUHLF

Engulf (verb) means to completely surround or cover something, often suddenly and overwhelmingly. Example: “Flames quickly engulfed the old warehouse.”

verb

To completely surround or cover something, often suddenly and overwhelmingly.

"Flames quickly engulfed the old warehouse."

"A wave of grief engulfed her when she heard the news."

How to use engulf

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo swallow up or overwhelm something completely, whether that's fire, water, or an emotion.

Common pairings

engulfed in flames engulf a building engulfed by darkness

Word forms

engulfed past tense, engulfs singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Flames quickly _____ the old warehouse.

Etymology

From en- + gulf, literally "to swallow into a gulf".

Synonyms

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steep absorb plunge immerse engross soak up

Related words

learn fall increase expensive launch suck engage decrease

Frequently asked questions

What does “engulf” mean?

The word “engulf” means to completely surround or cover something, often suddenly and overwhelmingly. In plain terms, to swallow up or overwhelm something completely, whether that's fire, water, or an emotion.

How do you pronounce “engulf”?

“Engulf” is pronounced ihng-GUHLF (/ɪŋˈɡʌlf/ in IPA).

How do you use “engulf” in a sentence?

Here is “engulf” used in a sentence: “Flames quickly engulfed the old warehouse.”

What part of speech is “engulf”?

“Engulf” is a verb.

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