'engulf' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'engolfer,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'golfe' meant 'gulf or whirlpool.'

'engolfer' transformed into the Middle English word 'engolven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'engulf.'

Initially, it meant 'to swallow up in a gulf or whirlpool,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to swallow up or overwhelm.'