overwhelm

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To engulf, surge over and submerge.

   The dinghy was overwhelmed by the great wave.

2. 2
   verb

   To overpower, crush.

   In December 1939 the Soviet Union attacked Finland with overwhelming force.

3. 3
   verb

   To overpower emotionally.

   He was overwhelmed with guilt.

4. 4
   verb

   To cause to surround, to cover.

   I lay Turpentine all over the same: then I overwhelm a broader pipe about the first

5. 5
   noun

   The state or condition of being overwhelmed.

   If you beat your opponent by a margin of 5 or more, you have Overwhelmingly Succeeded. This type of success is often simply called an Overwhelm. […] An overwhelm means you've not only succeeded, but you've done something better than the average success would be.

6. 6
   verb

   charge someone with too many tasks

7. 7
   verb

   overcome by superior force

8. 8
   verb

   cover completely or make imperceptible

Etymology

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