overwhelming

[ oh-ver-hwel-ming, -wel- ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛl mɪŋ, -ˈwɛl- /

adjective

that overwhelms; overpowering: The temptation to despair may become overwhelming.
so great as to render resistance or opposition useless: an overwhelming majority.

Origin of overwhelming

First recorded in 1565–75; overwhelm + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM overwhelming

o·ver·whelm·ing·ly, adverb o·ver·whelm·ing·ness, noun

Definition for overwhelming (2 of 2)

overwhelm
[ oh-ver-hwelm, -welm ]
/ ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛlm, -ˈwɛlm /

verb (used with object)

to overcome completely in mind or feeling: overwhelmed by remorse.
to overpower or overcome, especially with superior forces; destroy; crush: Roman troops were overwhelmed by barbarians.
to cover or bury beneath a mass of something, as floodwaters, debris, or an avalanche; submerge: Lava from erupting Vesuvius overwhelmed the city of Pompeii.
to load, heap, treat, or address with an overpowering or excessive amount of anything: a child overwhelmed with presents; to overwhelm someone with questions.
to overthrow.

Origin of overwhelm

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at over-, whelm

OTHER WORDS FROM overwhelm

un·o·ver·whelmed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for overwhelming

British Dictionary definitions for overwhelming (1 of 2)

overwhelming
/ (ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ) /

adjective

overpowering in effect, number, or force

Derived forms of overwhelming

overwhelmingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for overwhelming (2 of 2)

overwhelm
/ (ˌəʊvəˈwɛlm) /

verb (tr)

to overpower the thoughts, emotions, or senses of
to overcome with irresistible force
to overcome, as with a profusion or concentration of something
to cover over or bury completely
to weigh or rest upon overpoweringly
archaic to overturn