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Engulfed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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engulfed

[ษชn'ษกสŒlf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in water

Cause to be entirely surrounded by something, typically water.

Synonyms

immerse, submerge, swallow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engulfed

This word is often used to describe situations where something is completely surrounded or overwhelmed, often in a negative or dramatic way.

  • The whole town was engulfed by the flood
  • She felt engulfed by the pressure of her job
swallow

Used to describe the act of taking something into the throat or stomach, or figuratively accepting a difficult situation. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of difficulty or reluctance.

  • She had to swallow her pride and ask for help
  • The large pill was hard to swallow
submerge

This is used to describe something being completely covered, especially by water or another liquid. It can also be used metaphorically but often maintains a neutral to slightly negative tone.

  • The car was completely submerged after the heavy rain
  • She tried to submerge her fears and focus on the task
immerse

Generally used when someone or something is deeply involved or engaged in an activity or experience. It can have a positive connotation related to learning and participation.

  • He immersed himself in his studies
  • She was so immersed in the book, she didn't hear the phone ring

Examples of usage

  • The small boat was engulfed by the huge waves.
  • The city was engulfed by the floodwaters.
Context #2 | Verb

in flames

Completely cover or obscure.

Synonyms

engulf, envelop, swallow up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engulfed

Used when something is completely covered or overwhelmed by something else, often in a literal or metaphorical sense, and typically conveys a sense of total capture or absorption.

  • The town was engulfed by flames
  • She was engulfed by grief
engulf

Used to describe the action of completely surrounding or consuming something. Often used in scenarios involving natural disasters or extreme emotions.

  • The tsunami engulfed the coastal village
  • Fear can engulf a person during times of uncertainty
envelop

Used to describe something that wraps around or covers something else gently or softly. It does not usually convey a sense of destruction or suddenness.

  • Mist enveloped the mountains in the early morning
  • The warmth of the blanket enveloped her, making her feel safe
swallow up

Used to describe something being taken in or consumed, often suddenly and completely. This phrase can also convey a somewhat negative or ominous sense.

  • The quicksand threatened to swallow him up
  • The company's sudden bankruptcy swallowed up all their savings

Examples of usage

  • The building was engulfed in flames within minutes.
  • The room was engulfed in smoke.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors use 'engulfed' to create vivid imagery, illustrating characters overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances.
  • In Gothic literature, settings are often described as engulfed in darkness or fog, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.

Psychology

  • The feeling of being engulfed can relate to stress or anxiety, where individuals feel overwhelmed by lifeโ€™s challenges.
  • Therapeutic techniques often focus on helping individuals break free from feelings of being engulfed, through mindfulness and grounding practices.

Science

  • In environmental science, certain phenomena can engulf habitats, such as oil spills overwhelming marine life ecosystems.
  • The concept of engulfment is also used in cellular biology, where cells envelop external particles in a process called phagocytosis.

Cultural Context

  • In films, characters often experience metaphorical engulfment, as in being sucked into a chaotic situation, enhancing dramatic tension.
  • Cultural rituals sometimes symbolize being engulfed in community or spirituality, representing unity or transformation.

Origin of 'engulfed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'engulf' comes from the Old French word 'engolfier', which means to 'sink in' or 'swallow up'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'gulfล', meaning a 'hole' or 'opening', relating to the act of being swallowed.

The word 'engulf' originated from the Middle English word 'engolven', which in turn came from the Old English 'ingolafian', meaning 'to swallow'. The prefix 'en-' signifies 'to put into' or 'on', while 'golafian' means 'to swallow'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English, representing the act of something being completely surrounded or covered by something else.

See also: engulf, engulfment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,570, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.