whelm

[ welm, hwelm ]

/ wɛlm, ʰwɛlm /

Literary.

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verb (used with object)

to submerge; engulf.

to overcome utterly; overwhelm: whelmed by misfortune.

verb (used without object)

to roll or surge over something so that it becomes submerged.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of whelm

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle English whelme, apparently blend of dialectal whelve, from Old English gehwelfan “to bend over,” and helm² (verb), from Old English helmian “to cover”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use whelm in a sentence

Set thee down, and I will tell thee of a whelming flood of care, and a double grief.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson|Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
I had no pain,—only an over whelming exhaustion,—but the joy of her touch and her presence kept me from failing.
Richard Carvel, Complete|Winston Churchill
What is this half-dead thing that is trying to force its way onto dry land from the whelming waters of temptation and misery?
Rosemary and Rue|Amber
A falling branch, a whelming wave, a sudden ill, and in a moment that which was is not.
The Divine Adventure etc. (Works vol. 4)|Fiona Macleod

The last whelming wave approached and buried him for ever in the foaming sea.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction|Various

British Dictionary definitions for whelm

whelm

/ (wɛlm) /

verb (tr) archaic

to engulf entirely with or as if with water

another word for overwhelm

Word Origin for whelm

C13: whelmen to turn over, of uncertain origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

whelm

Origin of whelm

Words related to whelm

How to use whelm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for whelm

Word Origin for whelm