overwhelm

If a feeling affects you this way, it is so strong that you struggle to control it.

• Grief overwhelmed her.
• I was overwhelmed by their kindness.
• Did the sudden relief overwhelm you?

How to use it: be overwhelmed by something (She was overwhelmed by grief.); be overwhelmed with something (He was overwhelmed with joy.)

Similar words: overcome, overpower

Common phrases: overwhelm someone, overwhelm with emotion

If tasks or problems affect you this way, there are too many or they are too difficult to handle.

• The work overwhelmed me.
• Too many requests can overwhelm the system.
• She felt overwhelmed by the number of decisions.

How to use it: overwhelm someone with something (They overwhelmed us with requests.); be overwhelmed by something (I was overwhelmed by the workload.)

Similar words: overload, swamp

Common phrases: overwhelm someone, overwhelm a system, overwhelm with work

To defeat an opponent completely by being much stronger or more effective.

• Our team overwhelmed their opponents.
• The larger army overwhelmed the defenders in hours.
• Can their forwards overwhelm our defense?

Similar words: defeat, crush, rout

Common phrases: overwhelm the enemy, overwhelm an opponent, overwhelm the defense

To overcome something by using greater strength, force, or power.

• The noise overwhelmed my senses.
• Their combined weight overwhelmed the barrier.
• The guards overwhelmed him before he could escape.

Similar words: overpower, overcome, crush

Common phrases: overwhelm resistance, overwhelm the senses, overwhelm someone

To flow over something and cover it completely with water.

• A huge wave overwhelmed the boat.
• Floodwater overwhelmed the low fields overnight.
• The sea threatened to overwhelm the tiny island.

Similar words: engulf, submerge, inundate

Common phrases: overwhelm a boat, overwhelm the shore