erdrückend
Translation
overwhelming, crushing, oppressive
Examples
Die Beweislast war erdrückend.
The weight of evidence was overwhelming.
Die Hitze im Sommer ist erdrückend.
The heat in summer is oppressive.
Er fühlte eine erdrückende Verantwortung.
He felt a crushing responsibility.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) + ((Noun)) an overwhelming ... The overwhelming heat made us tired. Die erdrückende Hitze machte uns müde.
((Noun)) + to be + ((Adjective)) ... is overwhelming The silence was overwhelming. Die Stille war erdrückend.
Similar Words
Synonyms: überwältigend, bedrückend, drückend; Antonyms: befreiend, erleichternd
Etymology
From the verb 'erdrücken' (to crush, to stifle), which is 'er-' (a prefix indicating completion) + 'drücken' (to press).
Memory Tips
Imagine something 'drücken' (pressing) down on you until you are 'er-' (completely) crushed. This creates the feeling of being overwhelmed.