English Explanatory Dictionary

overwhelm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To engulf, surge over and submerge.
  2. To overpower, crush.
  3. To overpower emotionally.
  4. To cause to surround, to cover.
noun
  1. The state or condition of being overwhelmed.

Pronunciation

/ˌəʊ.vəˈwɛlm/ /-ˈʍɛlm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-overwhelm.wav /ˌo.vɚˈʍɛlm/ /ˌoʊ.vɚˈʍɛlm/ /-ˈwɛlm/ /ˌoː.vaˈwɛlm/ /ˌo.ʋəˈʋʱɛlm/ ōˌ-vər-hwĕlmˈ -wĕlmˈ

Word forms

overwhelm overwhelms overwhelming overwhelmed o'erwhelm

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English overwhelmen, equivalent to over- + whelm.

Synonyms

grip ravish swamp

Antonyms

underwhelm

Related words

whelm too many balls in the air

Derived words

overwhelmable overwhelmer overwhelming
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