whelm

[ welm, hwelm ]

verb (used with object)

1. to submerge; engulf.
2. to overcome utterly; overwhelm:

   whelmed by misfortune.

verb (used without object)

1. to roll or surge over something so that it becomes submerged.

whelm

/ wɛlm /

verb

1. to engulf entirely with or as if with water
2. See overwhelm
   another word for overwhelm

Word History and Origins

Origin of whelm¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle English whelme, apparently blend of dialectal whelve, from Old English gehwelfan “to bend over,” and helm ² (verb), from Old English helmian “to cover”

Word History and Origins

Origin of whelm¹

C13: whelmen to turn over, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

That canst not lift thy head above the waves Which whelm and sink thee down!

From Project Gutenberg

The envious billows sidelong swell to whelm my track; let them; but first I pass.

From Project Gutenberg

Far be it from the Judge of all the earth to whelm the innocent and guilty in the same destruction!

From Project Gutenberg

Can it be that the grave shall whelm all this unuttered love in endless silence?

From Project Gutenberg

The Scots were riding forward to whelm him when Brian's men drove down with a wild yell and smote the length of their flank.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brim
• bubble over
• cascade
• deluge
• drain
• drown
• engulf
• gush
• inundate
• leak
• overrun
• pour
• run over
• soak
• spill
• spill over
• submerge
• swamp