See Also: engulf(dictionary)
engulf(dictionary)

engulf (iou)



engulf verb trans. . M16.
[from EN-1, IN-2 + GULF noun.]
Swallow up (as) in a gulf or abyss; flow over and swamp. M16.
J. Kosinski I was hurled into..the brown filth, which parted under my body to engulf me. D. Bagley The waters of Santego Bay arose to engulf the town. fig.: E. Welty The ancient deck chair..engulfed her like a hammock.
Affect powerfully, overwhelm; preoccupy, engross. L16.
D. Acheson A bitter debate engulfed the United States. W. S. Churchill The loneliness and apathy which engulfed her after Albert's death.
refl. & in pass. Of a river: discharge itself into the sea; disappear underground. arch. M17.
engulfment noun the action of engulfing; the process of being engulfed: E19.