overwhelm Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli
overtake; overpower; whelm; overcome; sweep over.
verb charge someone with too many tasks
flood out; deluge.
verb cover completely or make imperceptible
drown; submerge.
- I was drowned in work
- The noise drowned out her speech
verb overcome by superior force
overpower; overmaster.

imperfect & past participle Overwhelmed ; present participle & verbal noun Overwhelming

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.
The sea overwhelmed their enemies. Ps. lxxviii. 53.

Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. Ps. lv. 5.

Foul deeds will rise, Though all the earth o'erwhelm them. Shak.

Gaza yet stands; but all her sons are fallen, All in a moment overwhelmed and fallen. Milton.
To project or impend over threateningly.
His louering brows o'erwhelming his fair sight. Shak.
To cause to surround, to cover. Papin.