— engulfment , n.
/en gulf"/ , v.t.
1. to swallow up in or as in a gulf; submerge: The overflowing river has engulfed many small towns along its banks.
2. to plunge or immerse, as into a gulf: He engulfed himself in his studies.
Also, ingulf .
[ 1545-55; EN- 1 + GULF ]
Syn. 1. envelop, bury, inundate, deluge, swamp.