First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
drown
verb \ˈdrau̇n\
: to die by being underwater too long and unable to breathe
: to hold (a person or animal) underwater until death occurs
: to cover (something) completely with a liquid
drowned \ˈdrau̇nd\ drown·ing \ˈdrau̇-niŋ\
Full Definition of DROWN
intransitive verb
: to become drowned
transitive verb
1
a : to suffocate by submersion especially in water b : to submerge especially by a rise in the water level <villages drowned by the flooding river> c : to soak, drench, or cover with a liquid
2
: to engage (oneself) deeply and strenuously <drowned himself in work>
3
: to cause (a sound) not to be heard by making a loud noise —usually used with out
4
a : to drive out (as a sensation or an idea) <drowned his sorrows in liquor> b : overwhelm
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Origin of DROWN
Middle English drounen
Related to DROWN
DROWN Defined for Kids
drown
verb \ˈdrau̇n\
drowneddrown·ing
Definition of DROWN for Kids
1
: to die or cause to die from being underwater and unable to breathe
2
: to cover with a liquid <She drowns her salad with dressing.>
3
: to overpower especially with noise
4
: to make helpless or overwhelmed <drowning in work>
Medical Dictionary
drown
verb \ˈdrau̇n\
drowned \ˈdrau̇nd\ drown·ing \ˈdrau̇-niŋ\
Medical Definition of DROWN
intransitive verb
1
: to suffocate in water or some other liquid
2
: to suffocate because of excess of body fluid that interferes with the passage of oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues (as in pulmonary edema)
transitive verb
: to suffocate by submersion especially in water <drowned three kittens>
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