Etymology Inherited from Middle English overwhelmen, equivalent to over- + whelm.
1
To engulf, surge over and submerge.
The dinghy was overwhelmed by the great wave.
2
To overpower, crush.
In December 1939 the Soviet Union attacked Finland with overwhelming force.
The sea overwhelmed their enemies.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalms 78:53:
3
To overpower emotionally.
He was overwhelmed with guilt.
Joy overwhelmed her when she realized that she had won a million dollars.
1 more example
Theon Greyjoy is the most well developed character on that stage, and the action comes down to him. Euron, with Yara underneath his ax, goads Theon into attack. But Theon is overwhelmed by the violence all around him, and instead he jumps overboard.2017 July 23, Brandon Nowalk, “The great game begins with a bang on Game Of Thrones (newbies)”, in The Onion AV Club:
4
To cause to surround, to cover.
I lay Turpentine all over the same: then I overwhelm a broader pipe about the first1684, Denis Papin, Instrument to make turpentine penetrate plaster and wood using the airpump:
Etymology Inherited from Middle English overwhelmen, equivalent to over- + whelm.
1
The state or condition of being overwhelmed.
If you beat your opponent by a margin of 5 or more, you have Overwhelmingly Succeeded. This type of success is often simply called an Overwhelm. […] An overwhelm means you've not only succeeded, but you've done something better than the average success would be.1999, Jason Holmgren, Ironclaw:
The fact is, that full permeation and understanding of an overwhelm or trauma makes it cease as an overwhelm or trauma.2015, Rolf Dane, Deep Clearing, Releasing the Power of Your Mind:
1 more example
And what you’re feeling is normal in a dangerous situation — overwhelm and guilt when someone is harmed.2021, Star Trek: Discovery, “Stormy Weather”, season 4, episode 6, spoken by Michael Burnham: