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overwhelmto defeat someone or something by using a lot of force

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to defeat someone or something by using a lot of force

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌoʊvərˈwelm/

Example Sentences

  • My mom was overwhelmed when she saw my messy room - she didn't know where to start cleaning!
  • The small coffee shop was overwhelmed by customers after going viral on social media.
  • I was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who helped me when I was lost.

overwhelm

VERB

[/ˌoʊvərˈwelm/]

to defeat someone or something by using a lot of force

A huge wave of paperwork crashes down and overwhelms the new intern at her desk.
💡 Concept

A huge wave of paperwork crashes down and overwhelms the new intern at her desk.

OVER(above) + WHELM(engulf) — a giant wave crashing OVER the ship to engulf it will overwhelm the crew.
🧠 Mnemonic

OVER(above) + WHELM(engulf) — a giant wave crashing OVER the ship to engulf it will overwhelm the crew.

He held tightly to the helm, but the giant storm began to overwhelm his ship.
🎵 Rhyme

He held tightly to the helm, but the giant storm began to overwhelm his ship.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌoʊvərˈwelm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌəʊvəˈwelm/

🌳Etymology

Prefixover--
Rootwhelm

🎵Rhyme

realmhelm
realm
helm

🔗Collocations

feel overwhelmed
overwhelm with emotions
overwhelmed by work
overwhelming response
overwhelm the opponent

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom was overwhelmed when she saw my messy room - she didn't know where to start cleaning!

The small coffee shop was overwhelmed by customers after going viral on social media.

I was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who helped me when I was lost.

😄 Fun example

He was overwhelmed by the number of dating apps available - there were too many choices!

📚Related Words

Synonyms

overpowerswampinundatecrushdevastate

Antonyms

underwhelmcalmsoothe

Related

overwhelmingoverwhelmedstressburdenpressure

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