overwhelm
verb (used with object)
to overcome completely in mind or feeling.
have overwhelmed
-
present perfectof overwhelm.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans who have overwhelmed Deir al-Balah since the start of the war weren’t eligible to vote.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
But Kyiv says this winter has been the toughest yet, as hundreds of Russian drones and missiles have overwhelmed its air defences during a particularly cold spell.
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
With energy appetites rivaling those of small cities, data centers have overwhelmed America’s power grid and contributed to spiking electricity prices.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 17, 2026
Immigration attorney Karla Navarrete, who is representing multiple people who have been arrested in the immigration sweeps, said the mass arrests have overwhelmed the system.
From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2025
They defended Belen from a surprise attack, saving the city from a foe that should have overwhelmed them.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
