Engulf

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈɡʌlf/

Definitions of engulf

verb to surround or cover completely

Example Sentences

A1 The waves engulfed the sandcastle.

A2 The fire quickly engulfed the entire building.

B1 The news of the scandal engulfed the town in gossip.

B2 The darkness of the night engulfed the forest, making it hard to see.

C1 The feeling of despair began to engulf her as she realized the magnitude of the situation.

C2 The sense of dread that engulfed him was overwhelming, but he knew he had to stay strong.

Examples of engulf in a Sentence

formal The flames quickly engulfed the entire building, causing extensive damage.

informal The waves engulfed the surfer, sending him tumbling underwater.

slang The gossip quickly engulfed the entire school, spreading like wildfire.

figurative Her overwhelming emotions seemed to engulf her, making it difficult to think clearly.

Grammatical Forms of engulf

• past tense: engulfed
• plural: engulfs
• comparative: more engulfing
• superlative: most engulfing
• present tense: engulfs
• future tense: will engulf
• perfect tense: has engulfed
• continuous tense: is engulfing
• singular: engulf
• positive degree: engulfing
• infinitive: to engulf
• gerund: engulfing
• participle: engulfed

Origin and Evolution of engulf

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'engulf' originated from the Middle English word 'ingulven' which came from the Old French word 'engolfer' meaning 'to swallow up'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'engulf' has retained its original meaning of swallowing up or overwhelming, but has also come to be used metaphorically to describe situations where something is completely surrounded or immersed in something else.