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