Engulf (verb)

1. Cover or surround completely, typically so as to hide from view.
2. Overwhelm (someone) emotionally or mentally.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense 'swallow up, absorb'): from en- 'in' + gulp 'swallow'. the sense 'overwhelm, surround' dates from the late 17th century.

Examples:

1. The floodwaters engulfed the town.
2. His grief at the loss of his wife had engulfed him.
3. She was engulfed in flames.
4. The sea threatened to engulf the small boat.
5. The controversy has engulfed the government.