engulf

/in'gʌlf/

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Word: Engulf

Part of Speech: Verb

Basic Explanation:

"Engulf" means to completely cover or surround something. Imagine a big wave at the beach that covers you completely; that's what it means to be engulfed. You can also use it to describe someone who is very focused on something, almost as if they are surrounded by it.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "engulf" to talk about physical things, like water or fire, or to describe emotions and activities that take over someone's attention or time.

Examples:

1. Physical Meaning: "The flames engulfed the building, and it was gone within minutes." (Here, it means the fire completely covered the building.)
2. Figurative Meaning: "She was engulfed in her research, forgetting to eat dinner." (In this case, it means she was so focused on her research that she didn't notice anything else.)

Advanced Usage:

"Engulf" can also be used in more abstract ways. For instance, you might say, "He was engulfed in feelings of sadness after hearing the news." This shows how powerful emotions can completely take over someone's mind.

Word Variants:

• Engulfed (past tense): "The city was engulfed by the flood last year."
• Engulfing (present participle): "The engulfing darkness made it hard to see."

Different Meanings:

While "engulf" mainly refers to covering or surrounding, it can also imply being overwhelmed by something, whether it’s a physical force or an emotional state.

Synonyms:

• Overwhelm
• Surrounded
• Envelop
• Submerge
• Consume

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or widely used phrasal verbs that include "engulf," but you might hear related phrases, such as "engulfed by emotions" or "engulfed in work."

Summary:

"Engulf" is a versatile verb that can describe both physical and emotional experiences where something is completely covered or overwhelmed.

Academic

Verb

1. flow over or cover completely
   • The bright light engulfed him completely
2. devote (oneself) fully to
   • He immersed himself into his studies

Synonyms

• steep
• immerse
• plunge
• engross
• absorb
• soak up