overwhelms; overwhelmed; overwhelming
1 : to affect (someone) very strongly
Grief overwhelmed her. = She was overwhelmed by grief. [=she felt grief so strongly that she was unable to think or act in a normal way]
Her neighbor's kindness overwhelmed her. [=moved her deeply]
2 : to cause (someone) to have too many things to deal with
The many requests for assistance overwhelmed them. = They were overwhelmed by the many requests for assistance. [=they could not respond to the many requests for assistance because there were too many]
Don't overwhelm him with facts.
They were overwhelmed with work.
3 : to defeat (someone or something) completely
The city was overwhelmed by the invading army.
She was overwhelmed at the polls. [=she was badly defeated in the election]
4 : to cover over (something) completely with water
The boat was overwhelmed [=engulfed] by a huge wave.