Main Entry:

drown

Pronunciation:

\ˈdrau̇n\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

drowned \ˈdrau̇nd\ ; drown·ing \ˈdrau̇-niŋ\

Etymology:

Middle English drounen

Date:

14th century

intransitive verb: to become drownedtransitive verb1 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 liquid2: 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 out4 a: to drive out (as a sensation or an idea) <drowned his sorrows in liquor> b: overwhelm