engulf

Main Entry: en·gulf 

Pronunciation: \in-ˈgəlf, en-\

Function: transitive verb

Date: 1555

1 : to flow over and enclose : overwhelm {the mounting seas threatened to engulf the island}
2 : to take in (food) by or as if by flowing over and enclosing

— en·gulf·ment \-mənt\ noun