Engulf - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Engulf means to completely surround or cover something, often suddenly or forcefully. It can describe physical things like flames engulfing a building or emotions overwhelming a person.
Definition:
To completely surround or cover something, often suddenly or forcefully.
Synonyms:
overwhelm, swallow, immerse, envelop
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
release, free
Common Collocations:
engulf in flames, engulf by darkness, engulf with emotion
Derivatives:
engulfment, engulfing
Usage Tips:
Use "engulf" to describe something being completely covered or overwhelmed, often by a force like fire or water.
Common Phrases:
engulfed in flames, engulfed by sorrow, engulfed in darkness
Etymology:
From Old French "engolfer," meaning "to swallow up," from Latin "in-" (into) + "gula" (throat).
Examples:
- 1. The flames quickly engulf the wooden house.
- 2. Darkness began to engulf the room as the sun set.
- 3. She felt sadness engulf her after hearing the news.
- 4. The tidal wave threatened to engulf the small village.