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May 24, 2018 Word of the Day

overwhelm /ˌoʊvɚˈwɛlm/ verb
overwhelm
/ˌoʊvɚˈwɛlm/
verb

overwhelms; overwhelmed; overwhelming

All of the work is overwhelming the woman.
All of the work is overwhelming the woman.
Definition of OVERWHELM

[+ object]

1 : to affect (someone) very strongly

  • Grief overwhelmed her. = She was overwhelmed by grief. [=she felt grief so strongly that she was unable to think or act in a normal way]

  • Her neighbor's kindness overwhelmed her. [=moved her deeply]

2 : to cause (someone) to have too many things to deal with

  • The many requests for assistance overwhelmed them. = They were overwhelmed by the many requests for assistance. [=they could not respond to the many requests for assistance because there were too many]

  • Don't overwhelm him with facts.

  • They were overwhelmed with work.

3 : to defeat (someone or something) completely

  • The city was overwhelmed by the invading army.

  • She was overwhelmed at the polls. [=she was badly defeated in the election]

4 : to cover over (something) completely with water

  • The boat was overwhelmed [=engulfed] by a huge wave.

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