engulfing

verb (used with object)

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.

verb (tr)

1. to immerse, plunge, bury, or swallow up
2. (often passive) to overwhelmengulfed by debts