whelm

whelm

verb \ˈhwelm, ˈwelm\

Definition of WHELM

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

Examples of WHELM

1. <the news so whelmed them that they were stunned into silence>

Origin of WHELM

Middle English

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to WHELM

Synonyms: crush, devastate, floor, grind (down), oppress, overcome, overmaster, overpower, prostrate, snow under, swamp, overwhelm

Related Words: deluge, drown, sink; confute, defeat, refute; break, demoralize, distress, disturb, rock, shatter, stagger, throw, unman, unnerve, upset

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Rhymes with WHELM

elm, helm, realm