overwhelm

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From over + Middle English whelmen (whelm)

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˌəʊvəˈwɛlm/
• (US) IPA: /ˌoʊvɚˈwɛlm/
• Rhymes: -ɛlm

[edit] Verb

to overwhelm (third-person singular simple present overwhelms, present participle overwhelming, simple past and past participle overwhelmed)

1. To engulf, surge-over and submerge

   The dinghy was overwhelmed by the great wave.

2. To overpower emotionally

   He was overwhelmed with guilt.

   Joy overwhelmed her when she realized that she had won a million dollars.

[edit] Derived terms

• overwhelming

[edit] Related terms

• whelm

[edit] Translations