Overwhelm

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˌəʊvəˈwÉ›lm/
• US IPA: /ËŒoÊŠvɚˈwÉ›lm/
• Scotland IPA: /ËŒovɚˈʍɛlm/
• Rhymes: -É›lm

Origin

From - + whelm, or rather Middle English whelmen.

Full definition of overwhelm

Verb

1. To engulf, surge over and submerge.The dinghy was overwhelmed by the great wave.
2. To overpower, crush.In December 1939 the Soviet Union attacked Finland with overwhelming force.
• Bible, Psalms lxxviii. 53The sea overwhelmed their enemies.
3. To overpower emotionally.He was overwhelmed with guilt.Joy overwhelmed her when she realized that she had won a million dollars.
4. To cause to surround, to cover.

Derived terms

• overwhelming

Related terms

• whelm