overwhelmed

adjective

over·​whelmed ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)welmd 

1

: overcome by force or numbers

Some jurisdictions are so overwhelmed that they are experimenting with routing school-children into specially designed courts that would keep first-time offenders from being saddled with an arrest record.

—Gary Fields and John R. Emshwiller

Only three Coast Guard rescue helicopters had managed to get into the air, and each was already overwhelmed by dozens of calls for help.

—Christopher Cooper and Robert Block

"We were overwhelmed," said John Robinson, the Rams' coach. "Clearly dominated."

—Paul Zimmerman

2

: completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling

When he first appeared in full regalia, I was overwhelmed.

—Jane Davison

Suddenly he felt overwhelmed by a wash of terror.

—Holly Black

He finds that the institutions that might compensate for what overwhelmed parents are unable to do are themselves undermined by stingy public policies.

—Lisbeth B. Schorr

Examples of overwhelmed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, one recent morning, the facility was overwhelmed with more flights than there were gates. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2023

But in reality, those who suddenly see their wealth balloon overnight can wind up feeling more overwhelmed than overjoyed. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2023

In one of Uiagalelei’s first games in the higher league, his overwhelmed offensive line was no match for an opposing defensive front, and Uiagalelei took a beating. —Joe Freeman, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2023

By comparison, at the height of the initial omicron surge, about 4,500 people were hospitalized with the virus statewide as emergency departments were overwhelmed with sick patients, and businesses and schools shut down because so many workers and students were sick. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 30 Aug. 2023

For those of us who may get a bit overwhelmed by outfit planning for an upcoming trip fashion blogger Emily Schuman has a seamless packing tip that may eliminate any stress. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2023

But even in places overwhelmed by despair and devastation, the Hawaiian spirit known as 'ohana endures. —BostonGlobe.com, 26 Aug. 2023

The overwhelmed sewer system experienced backups and overflows. —John Benson, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2023

Though only a fraction of the range can be found online, a pilgrimage to the firm’s Place Vendome flagship is a must—but prepare to be overwhelmed (in the best way) with the extensive offerings. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1