overwhelm

over·whelm

verb \ˌō-vər-ˈhwelm, -ˈwelm\

Definition of OVERWHELM

transitive verb

1

: upset, overthrow

2

a : to cover over completely : submerge b : to overcome by superior force or numbers c : to overpower in thought or feeling

Examples of OVERWHELM

1. Don't overwhelm him with facts.
2. They were overwhelmed with work.
3. The city was overwhelmed by the invading army.

Origin of OVERWHELM

Middle English, from ¹over + whelmen to turn over, cover up

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OVERWHELM

Synonyms: crush, devastate, floor, grind (down), oppress, overcome, overmaster, overpower, prostrate, snow under, swamp, whelm

Antonyms: drain

Related Words: deluge, drown, sink; confute, defeat, refute; break, demoralize, distress, disturb, rock, shatter, stagger, throw, unman, unnerve, upset

Near Antonyms: dehydrate, dry, parch

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with OVERWHELM

underwhelm