flooding

American  

[fluhd-ing] / ˈflʌd ɪŋ /

noun

1. a form of psychotherapy in which the patient receives abrupt and intense, rather than gradual, exposure to a fear-producing situation.

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flooding British  

/ ˈflʌdɪŋ /

noun

1. the submerging of land under water, esp due to heavy rain, a lake or river overflowing, etc

2. pathol excessive bleeding from the uterus, as following childbirth

3. psychol a method of eliminating anxiety in a given situation, by exposing a person to the situation until the anxiety subsides

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Etymology

Origin of flooding

1665–75, for sense “flood”; flood + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“I just felt like all the just traumatic moments of my life really just started flooding my head,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Viewers are flooding social media with concerned posts.

From Salon

Others were taken away by helicopter as roads were cut off by flooding.

From Barron's

Forecasters say a strong system is headed our way and, starting Sunday, poses the threat of thunderstorms, flooding, gusty winds and dangerous waves.

From Los Angeles Times

Three people have died in weather-related accidents in France and Spain after a storm tore through the region, officials said Friday, ripping up trees and flooding roads and leaving many thousands without power.

From Barron's

Related Words

• inundation