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”; see flood + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Flooding allowed the fish to escape into the Mississippi Basin, and to reproduce at rates that have overpowered native species.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Flooding can trigger sewage releases into rivers and estuaries, threatening wildlife with disease and toxic water, "exaggerating the number of wildlife death events".

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Flooding has brought significant disruption in parts of Scotland, with flood warnings in place in many areas due to heavy rain and melting snow.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Flooding has also forced evacuations in parts of nearby Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

And is their deed sublime, Flooding all after-time, Now but a theme for rhyme, Whispered—and thundered Where, from the pit and stalls, Theatres and Music-halls, Greet their "Six Hundred!"

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, April 26 1890 by Various

Related Words

• inundation