To engulf, absorb, or consume something completely so that it disappears or ceases to be distinct.
To completely surround and absorb something until it disappears or becomes part of something bigger.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To completely engulf or absorb something, especially a small thing taken over by a much larger one.
"The small independent bookshop was eventually swallowed up by a national retail chain."
The city had swallowed up the old village completely.
— George Orwell, 'Coming Up for Air', 1939
To use up money, time, or resources completely.
"The renovation project swallowed up their entire savings and then some."
(Literal) Of a large space, darkness, or natural force: to completely surround or envelop someone or something so they vanish from sight.
"The fog swallowed up the lighthouse until it was completely invisible from the shore."
To swallow something up (completely, like a large creature eating).
To completely surround and absorb something until it disappears or becomes part of something bigger.
Often used for large entities absorbing smaller ones: corporations, the sea, crowds, darkness swallowing up smaller things. Has a vivid, slightly dramatic quality. Common in both literal and figurative contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "swallow up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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