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Definition of engulf

engulf

/ɪnˈɡʌlf/
en · gulf
Past Simple:engulfed
•
Past Participle:engulfed
•
Present Participle:engulfing
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engulf Lexical Profile

engulf Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To sweep over something so as to surround or cover it completely (especially of a natural force such as water, fire, or darkness).

Example

"Thick coastal fog began to engulf the harbor just before sunset."

2

To powerfully affect or overwhelm a person or place (especially of an intense emotion, crisis, or conflict).

Example

"A sudden wave of nostalgia threatened to engulf her as she walked through her childhood home."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for engulf

• Nearby Words

engrossing
engrossingly
engstligen
engulf
engulfment
enguri
enhance

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-16th century from the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'into') and 'gulf', modeled on the Old French verb 'engolfer' ('to swallow up in an abyss').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Engulf. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/engulf
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