Definition

The action of completely surrounding or covering something, often in a way that makes it difficult to escape or be seen.

Example

The engulfment of the city by the floodwaters was sudden and devastating.

Conversation

I was reading about the concept of engulfment in nature documentaries.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It describes how certain elements can completely surround or cover something else.

That sounds fascinating! I can see how it applies to natural disasters.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Engulfment → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "gulf" (from Old French *golfe*, meaning a deep inlet of the sea) combined with the suffix "-ment" (indicating the action or result of a process). The word "engulfment" refers to the act of being swallowed up or submerged in something, like water or a situation.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'caused to be in' ('en-') a 'deep inlet' ('gulf') — this helps you remember that 'engulfment' means being completely surrounded or submerged.

Visually Confused Words