engulf

IPA/ɪnˈɡʌlf/
KK[ɪnɡˈʌlf]IPA/ɪnˈɡʌlf/

engulf — verb

  • engulfpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • engulfshe / she / it
  • engulfedpast simple
  • engulfing-ing form

1. to spread over and completely cover someone or something, hiding or trapping the

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to spread over and completely cover someone or something, hiding or trapping them inside

例句

Flames engulfed the old wooden barn within minutes of the first spark.

If the dam breaks, the water will engulf the entire valley below.

will engulf + if-clause for future warning

同義詞
  • swallow up

    more informal; often suggests disappearing from view

  • envelop

    emphasises wrapping around softly, not necessarily destroying

  • consume

    emphasises destruction, especially by fire

  • submerge

    specifically means going completely under water

文法句型

engulf + object

be engulfed by/in + noun

用法筆記

Subject is typically a natural force (water, fire, fog, lava, mud) or something that spreads in a similar way. Always transitive — the object is the person or thing that becomes covered.

常見錯誤

❌The village engulfed in flames.
✅The village was engulfed in flames.
💡'engulf' is transitive; the thing being covered cannot be the active-voice subject.
❌She engulfed the cake in seconds.
✅She devoured the cake in seconds.
💡'engulf' describes something spreading over and surrounding you; it is not used for eating quickly.