overwhelming
|o/ver/whelm/ing|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈhwɛlmɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/
(overwhelm)
overpowering emotion
Etymology
Etymology Information
'overwhelm' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'overwhelmen,' where 'over-' meant 'above' and 'whelmen' meant 'to turn upside down.'
Historical Evolution
'overwhelmen' transformed into the modern English word 'overwhelm.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to overturn or submerge,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to overpower or crush.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
very great in amount or intensity.
The overwhelming majority voted in favor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39