I. ˈdel-ˌyüj, -ˌyüzh; ÷də-ˈlüj, ˈdā-ˌlüj noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French deluje, from Latin diluvium, from diluere to wash away, from dis- + lavere to wash — more at lye
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : an overflowing of the land by water
b. : a drenching rain
2. : an overwhelming amount or number
received a deluge of offers
II. transitive verb
( del·uged ; del·ug·ing )
Date: 1593
1. : to overflow with water : inundate
2. : overwhelm , swamp