whelm

/hʌlm/

Definitions

1. noun

a feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with a difficult or unpleasant situation

“The news of the natural disaster caused a sense of overwhelm in the community.”

2. verb

to overwhelm or overcome someone or something, often with a strong or overpowering emotion

“Her grief began to whelm her, and she broke down in tears.”

Synonyms

  • drown
  • overpower
  • overwhelm
  • swamp

Antonyms

  • empower
  • inspire