OVERWHELM


Meaning of OVERWHELM in English

v.

Pronunciation: ˌ ō -v ə r- ' hwelm, - ' welm

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from 1 over + whelmen to turn over, cover up

Date: 14th century

1 : UPSET , OVERTHROW

2 a : to cover over completely : SUBMERGE b : to overcome by superior force or numbers c : to overpower in thought or feeling

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.