01 v. t. To cover over completely, as by a great wave; to overflow and bury beneath; to ingulf; hence, figuratively, to immerse and bear down; to ov…
imp. & p. p.
Overwhelmed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Overwhelming
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1.
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.
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2.
To project or impend over threateningly.“His louering brows o'erwhelming his fair sight.” — Shak.
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3.
To cause to surround, to cover.