vt to cause to surround, to cover.
2. overwhelm ·vt to project or impend over threateningly.
3. overwhelm ·noun the act of overwhelming.
4. overwhelm ·vt to cover over completely, as by a great wave; to overflow and bury beneath; to ingulf; hence, figuratively, to immerse and bear down; to overpower; to crush; to bury; to oppress, ·etc., overpoweringly.