Engulf: meaning, definitions and examples

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engulf

[ ɪnˈɡʌlf ]

^{Context #1}

in water

To completely surround or cover something, especially with a liquid.

Synonyms

immerse, submerge, swallow

Examples of usage

The small boat was engulfed by the huge waves.
The city was engulfed by the floodwaters.

^{Context #2}

in flames

To be completely surrounded by flames or smoke.

Synonyms

consumed, devoured, engulfed

Examples of usage

The old building was quickly engulfed by the fire.
The forest fire continued to engulf the trees.

Translations

Translations of the word "engulf" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engolir

envolver
inundar

🇮🇳 निगलना

घेर लेना
डुबाना

🇩🇪 verschlingen

umhüllen
überfluten

🇮🇩 menelan

membungkus
membanjiri

🇺🇦 поглинати

охоплювати
затоплювати

🇵🇱 pochłaniać

otaczać
zalewać

🇯🇵 飲み込む (nomikomu)

包み込む (tsutsumikomu)
飲み込む (nomikomu)

🇫🇷 engloutir

envelopper
inonder

🇪🇸 engullir

envolver
inundar

🇹🇷 yutmak

sarmak
suya boğmak

🇰🇷 삼키다 (samkida)

둘러싸다 (dulleossada)
삼키다 (samkida)

🇸🇦 يبتلع

يغلف
يغمر

🇨🇿 pohltit

obklopit
zaplavit

🇸🇰 pohltiť

obklopiť
zaplaviť

🇨🇳 吞噬 (tūnshì)

包围 (bāowéi)
淹没 (yānmò)

🇸🇮 pogoltniti

zajeti
poplaviti

🇮🇸 gleypa

umvefja
flæða yfir

🇰🇿 жұту

қоршау
су басу

🇬🇪 გადაყლაპვა

გარშემორტყმა
დატბორვა

🇦🇿 udmaq

əhatə etmək
su basmaq

🇲🇽 engullir

envolver
inundar

Word origin

The word 'engulf' originated from the Middle English word 'gulfen', which means to engulf or swallow up. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century. The prefix 'en-' adds emphasis to the word 'gulf', which refers to a deep chasm or large expanse. Over time, 'engulf' has come to signify the act of completely surrounding or covering something, especially with a liquid or flames.