First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
overwhelm
verb over·whelm \ˌō-vər-ˈhwelm, -ˈwelm\
: to affect (someone) very strongly
: to cause (someone) to have too many things to deal with
: to defeat (someone or something) completely
Full Definition of OVERWHELM
transitive verb
2
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Origin of OVERWHELM
Middle English, from 1over + whelmen to turn over, cover up
Related to OVERWHELM
- Synonyms
- crush, devastate, floor, grind (down), oppress, overcome, overmaster, overpower, prostrate, snow under, swamp, whelm
- Antonyms
- drain
Rhymes with OVERWHELM
OVERWHELM Defined for Kids
overwhelm
verb over·whelm \ˌō-vər-ˈhwelm, -ˈwelm\
over·whelmedover·whelm·ing
Definition of OVERWHELM for Kids
1
: to overcome completely (as with great force or emotion) <The larger army overwhelmed the troops.> <She was overwhelmed with grief.>
2
: to cover over completely : submerge <Waves overwhelmed the small boat.>
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