Engulf/ɪnˈɡʌlf/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Natural Disasters Often used to describe overwhelming natural events, emphasizing their impact. After the volcano erupted, the village was engulfed in lava. Pro Tip 2/3Total Involvement Suggests something is so encompassing, it leaves nothing outside unaffected. The thriller was so intense, I was completely engulfed by the story. Pro Tip 3/3Sensory Overwhelm Can refer to senses being fully occupied by something, like sound or smell. As the band played, we were engulfed by the music.