overwhelmed

American  

[oh-ver-hwelmd, -welmd] / ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛlmd, -ˈwɛlmd /

adjective

1. completely overcome in mind or feeling.

   She told the overwhelmed and sobbing mother she would take care of all medical expenses.

2. loaded, filled, or addressed with an excessive amount of anything.

   Over 100 dogs were transported to other parts of the state from overwhelmed animal shelters on the coast.

3. overpowered or crushed, as by superior forces.

   The aim of the coalition's operation was to stop the dictator and his army from attacking already overwhelmed rebel troops.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of overwhelm.

Other Word Forms

• unoverwhelmed adjective

Etymology

Origin of overwhelmed

overwhelm ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

In mid-2014, U.S. oil production overwhelmed global demand, and oil prices began to drop.

From The Wall Street Journal

When they contract a virus, they go to overwhelmed hospitals to die.

From The Wall Street Journal

The pop star also said she had been "overwhelmed with the amount of support" she had received since posting her first video on the subject on Sunday.

From BBC

The Growler, which is flown by a Navy squadron nicknamed the “Zappers,” likely played a key role in Venezuela, where air defenses were quickly overwhelmed.

From The Wall Street Journal

That was an expensive gift, but I was overwhelmed and, if I’m honest, flattered.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• affected
• devastated
• moved
• overpowered