Main Entry: whelm

Pronunciation: \ˈhwelm, ˈwelm\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English

Date: 14th century

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