Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Overwhelming"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Overwhelm \O`ver*whelm"\, v. 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. --Shak.
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.
--Shak.
3. To cause to surround, to cover. --Papin.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Overwhelming \O`ver*whelm"ing\, a.
Overpowering; irresistible. -- {O`ver*whelm"ing*ly}, adv.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
overwhelming
adj 1: so strong as to be irresistible; "an overpowering need for
solitude"; "the temptation to despair may become
overwhelming"; "an overwhelming majority" [syn: {overpowering}]
2: very intense; "politics is his consuming passion";
"overwhelming joy" [syn: {consuming}]
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