overwhelm
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


over·whelm

transitive verb \ˌō-vər-ˈhwelm, -ˈwelm\

Definition of OVERWHELM

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

Rhymes with OVERWHELM

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: overwhelming
Previous Word in the Dictionary: overwelt
All Words Near: overwhelm

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up overwhelm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More