avalanched
|a-val-anched|
🇺🇸
/ˈævəˌlæntʃ/
🇬🇧
/ˈævəlæntʃ/
(avalanche)
massive snow slide
Etymology
'avalanche' originates from French, specifically the word 'avalanche' (Modern French), where it developed from Provençal 'avalanca' (or Old Provençal), related to verbs meaning 'to descend' or 'to fall down'.
'avalanche' changed from Provençal 'avalanca' into Old/Modern French 'avalanche' and was borrowed into English in the late 18th century as 'avalanche'.
Initially, it referred to a mass fall or slide (especially of snow); over time it has retained that primary meaning and also gained extended, figurative senses of any sudden overwhelming mass.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'avalanche'.
The mountain avalanched after the heavy snowfall.
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Verb 2
to overwhelm or inundate (someone or something) suddenly and in large numbers; figuratively to be flooded by a large quantity (e.g., requests, messages).
After the article was published, she was avalanched by requests for interviews.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 15:24