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.
O"ver*whelm`, n. The act of
overwhelming. [R.]
