ENGLISH
REFERENCE

engulfed

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɪnˈɡəɫft// UK //ɛnɡˈʌlft// en·gulfed

adj. completely covered or surrounded by something, like water, fire, or a strong feeling. It means you are totally hidden or taken over by it.

adj. completely surrounded, covered, or overwhelmed by a substance or emotion. Often used as a participial adjective following a linking verb or in a passive construction.


SIMPLE

The small house was engulfed by the rising floodwaters.

CONTEXTUAL

As the news of the victory spread, the entire city was engulfed in a wave of celebration.

COMPLEX

The ancient forest was rapidly engulfed by the advancing wildfire, leaving nothing but charred remains in its wake as the winds intensified.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly takes the prepositions 'in' or 'by'. Often describes physical destruction or intense psychological states.

Pitfall

The fire engulfed with the buildingThe fire engulfed the buildingWhen used as an active verb, it is transitive and does not require a preposition before the object.

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