overwhelmed
Americanadjective
-
completely overcome in mind or feeling.
She told the overwhelmed and sobbing mother she would take care of all medical expenses.
-
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.
-
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.
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of overwhelmed
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.
"I think we've all been, I wouldn't say overwhelmed, but pleasantly surprised by the excitement and the buzz around the team, and in the stadiums," he said.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
He’d stand in the aisles overwhelmed by the Technicolor labels, the piles of Edenic produce, and the thought that his family — wherever they may be — might not be able to afford food.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
"Staff described that they felt they were overwhelmed," she said.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
“When people are overwhelmed by today’s financial pressures, they often delay saving, avoid making decisions or react emotionally to market volatility, all of which can hurt long-term outcomes.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026
“That is a lot of people,” she said, slightly overwhelmed.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
