Engulf
/ɪnˈɡʌlf/
verbB2
Definition
To engulf something means to cover it fully or to surround it so it is hidden or taken in completely. This can happen with things like water, fire, or even feelings, where one thing is swallowed or taken over by another.
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⚡ See It in Action
To cover or swallow something completely, often suddenly
- •The town was engulfed by flames after the fire started.
- •The ship was engulfed by huge waves during the storm.
- •Darkness engulfed the room when the lights went out.
To be overwhelmed by strong feelings or situations
- •She was engulfed in sadness after hearing the bad news.
- •The crowd was engulfed by excitement when the team scored.
- •He felt engulfed by anxiety before the exam.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "engulf" like "cover," but much stronger—like a blanket that completely wraps and hides something
- ✓Picture a small boat surrounded by big waves that rise all around it, hiding the boat from view
- ✓It's the feeling when you are so busy or worried that your problems seem to surround and take over your whole mind
- ✓Sounds like "in-GULF" → imagine a big ocean gulf swallowing a small island completely
- ✓Think of stories where a village is engulfed by a flood or fire, disappearing under water or flames
- ✓NOT like "touch" (just a small contact), "engulf" means total covering or surrounding
- ✓NOT like "cover" (can be light or partial), "engulf" is strong and complete, often fast and powerful
- ✓NOT like "surround" (can be calm and distant), "engulf" means something is taken inside or swallowed up
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Overwhelm: to be completely overcome by something (Use when talking about feelings or situations that are too much to handle)
- •Swallow: to take in completely, often fast (Use when something is taken inside or hidden quickly)
- •Surround: to be all around something (Use when the focus is on being around but not necessarily taken inside)
- •Envelop: to wrap completely (Use in more formal or poetic contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "en-" (to cause to be in) + root "gulf" (a large part of the sea surrounded by land)
- •Etymology: From Old French "engouffrer," meaning to swallow up or plunge into a gulf or deep place
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe water or sea swallowing objects or land, later extended to other things being covered or overwhelmed
- •Modern usage: Used for physical things like fire or water covering something, and also for feelings or situations that take over completely
- •Key insight: The word suggests a strong, total taking in, like being pulled inside a deep gulf or large hole
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you felt engulfed by a feeling or situation? How did you handle it?
•How is the word "engulf" different when used for physical things versus emotions?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The small village was ___ by floodwaters after heavy rain, leaving many people homeless.
2.When the fire started, the whole forest was quickly ___ in flames, making it hard to escape.
3.She was ___ by joy when she heard the good news and couldn't stop smiling.
4.Unlike just surrounding the building, the smoke completely ___ it, making it invisible.
5.The boat was ___ by the large waves, and the crew struggled to stay safe.
6.He felt ___ by fear before the big presentation, unable to think clearly.
7.The darkness slowly ___ the room as the sun set behind the mountains.