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overwhelm

o·ver·whelm

overwhelm

 
 
pronunciation:
o vr welm
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: overwhelms, overwhelming, overwhelmed
definition 1: to overcome by superior force; destroy.
The heavily armed invaders overwhelmed the defenders of the city.
synonyms:
crush, overbear, overpower, prostrate
similar words:
awe, beat, conquer, defeat, destroy, invade, massacre, master, oppress, overcome, quash, quell, subdue, suppress, thrash
definition 2: to overcome emotionally.
Grief overwhelmed her and made her incapable of resuming her normal activities.
synonyms:
overcome, overpower
similar words:
amaze, astound, crush, devastate, overtake, prostrate, stagger, stun, swamp, transport
definition 3: to load or burden with an excess of something.
Loss of their jobs overwhelmed them with debt.
synonyms:
deluge, encumber, overburden, overload, overtax, swamp
similar words:
avalanche, burden, load, oppress, overweigh, saddle, smother, stun, weigh down
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