Engulfment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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engulfment
[ษชnหษกสlfmษnt ]
Definition
in oceanography
The action of engulfing or being engulfed, especially by a large mass of water.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| engulfment |
This has the same meaning as 'engulfment', often used interchangeably in both daily language and literature.
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| swallowing |
This word is used to describe the act of taking something into the mouth and passing it down the throat. It can also metaphorically suggest something being taken in or absorbed, often with a sense of consumption.
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| submersion |
Typically used to describe an object or person being completely covered or absorbed in a liquid, most commonly water. This term is more technical and often used in scientific or formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The fishing boat was in danger of engulfment by the massive wave.
- The diver experienced a moment of panic as he felt the engulfment of darkness.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, the concept of emotional engulfment can occur when one person's feelings or behaviors dominate another's, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Children sometimes fear engulfment, where they feel they might be lost in parental demands, requiring healthy boundaries.
- Therapeutic settings can address feelings of engulfment as clients learn to set emotional boundaries and recognize their individual needs.
Literature
- Many novels explore themes of engulfment, portraying characters who feel overwhelmed by societal expectations or their own emotions.
- In poetry, the imagery of engulfment often signifies a loss of control, reflecting deep feelings of despair or acceptance.
- Classic works like 'Moby Dick' depict characters engulfed by their obsessions, symbolizing the struggle against life's greater forces.
Natural Sciences
- In geology, the term 'engulfment' can describe phenomena like landslides, where earth materials overwhelm the landscape.
- Some aquatic ecosystems demonstrate engulfment, where smaller organisms become overwhelmed by larger predators in a food web dynamic.
- Engulfment is also observed in physical processes, such as waves engorging the shore, showcasing nature's power over landscapes.
Pop Culture
- In movies, scenes often show characters being engulfed by flames, water, or emotions, heightening dramatic tension.
- Engulfment themes can be found in horror movies, where the protagonist feels trapped, leading to feelings of claustrophobia.
- Music lyrics frequently invoke the imagery of engulfment to explore intense feelings of love, loss, or existential dread.
Origin of 'engulfment'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the root word 'engulf', which combines 'en-' meaning 'to cause to' and 'gulf' referring to a deep inlet of the sea.
- The notion of being 'engulfed' has been used since the 15th century in English, reflecting its literal and metaphorical implications.
- Related words include 'gulf' which itself originates from the Old French 'golfe', emphasizing the idea of a vast space consuming something.
The word 'engulfment' is derived from the verb 'engulf', which first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The prefix 'en-' signifies 'to make' and 'gulf' refers to a deep chasm or an abyss. The concept of being engulfed has been used metaphorically to describe overwhelming situations or emotions.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,374, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.