overwhelm
Translation
to overwhelm, to overpower, to inundate, to submerge
Examples
The amount of work can overwhelm new employees.
The amount of work can overwhelm new employees.
The army overwhelmed the enemy forces.
The army overwhelmed the enemy forces.
Grief overwhelmed her after the funeral.
Grief overwhelmed her after the funeral.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((sb.)) to affect (sb.) strongly The amount of work can overwhelm new employees.
((sb./sth.)) ((sb./sth.)) to defeat (sb./sth.) completely The army overwhelmed the enemy forces.
Similar Words
Synonyms: overpower, crush, inundate, swamp
Etymology
From the prefix 'over-' (above, too much) and 'whelm' (to submerge). Literally 'to submerge from above'.
Memory Tips
Picture a giant wave ('whelm') coming 'over' you, making you feel powerless.