First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
whelm
verb \ˈhwelm, ˈwelm\
Definition of WHELM
transitive verb
1
: to turn (as a dish or vessel) upside down usually to cover something : cover or engulf completely with usually disastrous effect
2
: to overcome in thought or feeling : overwhelm <whelmed with a rush of joy — G. A. Wagner>
intransitive verb
: to pass or go over something so as to bury or submerge it
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Origin of WHELM
Middle English
Related to WHELM
- Synonyms
- crush, devastate, floor, grind (down), oppress, overcome, overmaster, overpower, prostrate, snow under, swamp, overwhelm
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