engulf
- Verb:
- To flow over or cover completely: To surround or overwhelm something entirely, often in a sudden or forceful manner.
- To devote (oneself) fully to: To become completely absorbed or immersed in an activity, thought, or feeling.
To flow over or cover completely:
- The floodwaters threatened to engulf the small village.
- Flames quickly engulfed the old wooden building.
- A wave of sadness engulfed her when she heard the news.
To devote (oneself) fully to; to become absorbed in:
- He was engulfed in his work and didn't notice the time.
- She allowed herself to be engulfed by the beautiful music.
"to be engulfed in/by something": To be completely surrounded or absorbed by something, often an emotion, activity, or physical element.
- The city was engulfed in a thick fog.
- He was engulfed by a sense of despair.
"to engulf oneself in something": To deliberately immerse oneself completely in an activity.
- After the loss, she engulfed herself in her studies to cope.
Engulfing (present participle / adjective): The act of engulfing or having the quality to engulf.
- The engulfing flames made escape difficult.
Engulfment (noun): The state or process of being engulfed.
- The sudden engulfment of the car by the avalanche was terrifying.
- Overwhelm: To bury or drown beneath a huge mass.
- Immerse: To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity.
- Envelop: To wrap up, cover, or surround completely.
- Swallow up: To take in and cause to disappear; to envelop completely.
- Expose: To leave uncovered or unprotected.
- Reveal: To make previously unknown information known.
- Emerge: To move out of or away from something and come into view.
The word engulf often carries a connotation of something powerful, sudden, and all-consuming. It can describe both literal, physical covering (like fire or water) and figurative, emotional or mental absorption. The force implied is typically beyond the control of the thing being engulfed.
- flow over or cover completely
- The bright light engulfed him completely
- devote (oneself) fully to
- He immersed himself into his studies