ENGULFMENT. Engulfment means to be swallowed up in or be immersed by material, which may result in asphyxiation. Being inside a tank that contains liquid, and that tank then fills with that liquid while you are in there, you drown by asphyxiation.

What does fear of engulfment mean?

Fear of Engulfment

Those who have fear engulfment are afraid of being controlled, dominated, or "losing themselves" in a relationship, and this fear sometimes stems from growing up in an enmeshed family.

What is engulfment BPD?

Fear of Engulfment—Many people with BPD were used as an emotional caretaker for one of their parents. As adults, they fear that instead of their partner meeting their emotional needs, they will become engulfed by their partners emotional needs.