deluge

¹del·uge

noun
\ˈdel-ˌyüj, -ˌyüzh; ÷də-ˈlüj, ˈdā-ˌlüj\

Definition of DELUGE

1

a : an overflowing of the land by water b : a drenching rain

2

: an overwhelming amount or number <received a deluge of offers>

Examples of DELUGE

1. The deluge caused severe mudslides.
2. <a deluge of thanks and appreciation for the returning troops>

Origin of DELUGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French deluje, from Latin diluvium, from diluere to wash away, from dis- + lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DELUGE

Synonyms: alluvion, bath, cataclysm, cataract, flood, flood tide, inundation, Niagara, overflow, spate, torrent

Antonyms: drought (also drouth)

Related Words: current, river, stream, tide; cloudburst, discharge, flush, gush, outflow, outpouring; flux, inflow, influx; engulfment, washout; avalanche, blizzard; cascade, waterfall; excess, glut, overabundance, overage, overkill, overmuch, oversupply, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus

Near Antonyms: dribble, drip, trickle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DELUGE

refuge