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Webster 1913 Edition

Overwhelm

Oˊver-whelm′

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Overwhelmed
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Overwhelming
.]
1.
To cover over completely, as by a great wave; to overflow and bury beneath; to ingulf; hence, figuratively, to immerse and bear down; to overpower; to crush; to bury; to oppress, etc., overpoweringly.
The sea
overwhelmed
their enemies.
Ps. lxxviii. 53.
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath
overwhelmed
me.
Ps. lv. 5.
Foul deeds will rise,
Though all the earth
o’erwhelm
them.
Shakespeare
Gaza yet stands; but all her sons are fallen,
All in a moment
overwhelmed
and fallen.
Milton.
2.
To project or impend over threateningly.
His louering brows
o'erwhelming
his fair sight.
Shakespeare
3.
To cause to surround, to cover.
Papin.

O′ver-whelmˊ

,
Noun.
The act of overwhelming.
[R.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Overwhelm

OVERWHELM'

, v.t.
1.
To overspread or crush beneath something violent and weighty, that covers or encompasses the whole; as, to overwhelm with waves.
2.
To immerse and bear down; in a figurative sense; as, to be overwhelmed with cares, afflictions or business.
3.
To overlook gloomily.
4.
To put over. [Not used.]

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