Avalanche: meaning, definitions and examples

Can refer to any large mass of snow, ice, rocks, or debris that moves quickly down a mountainside. Often used generally and metaphorically to describe a sudden, overwhelming arrival of something.

• The skiers narrowly escaped the avalanche.
• Our project received an avalanche of complaints after the policy change.

A less commonly used term that also refers to a sudden slide of snow down a slope. May be used interchangeably with snow avalanche but is less formal.

• After the heavy snowfall, there was a risk of snowslides in the region.
• The hiker witnessed a small snowslide from a distance.

Specifically focuses on snow when describing an avalanche. It is useful when clarification is needed to differentiate from other types of avalanches involving rocks or debris.

• The weather forecast has warned about the potential of a snow avalanche.
• Rescue teams are trained to respond quickly to snow avalanches in this area.

An even rarer term that describes a smaller or less intense slip of snow down a slope. May emphasize a minor event in comparison to a full avalanche.

• The light snowslip did not cause any serious problems for the climbers.
• During the winter, minor snowslips are fairly common in this part of the mountains.

Typically used to describe a massive, sudden flow of snow and ice down a mountain. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden overwhelming quantity of something.

• The avalanche buried the mountain village under meters of snow.
• She received an avalanche of emails after the announcement.

Usually refers to a heavy downpour of rain causing flooding. Can also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of something, but often with a more neutral or slightly negative tone.

• The city was hit by a deluge that caused widespread flooding.
• He was greeted by a deluge of questions after the presentation.

Refers to an overflow of water onto normally dry land, often causing damage. Also metaphorically used to describe a large amount of something appearing at once.

• The river's floodwaters reached the rooftops of the houses.
• There was a flood of new ideas at the brainstorming session.

Describes a fierce or destructive attack. In a non-literal sense, it can refer to a large quantity of something happening suddenly and forcefully. Often carries a negative connotation.

• The small town could not withstand the onslaught of enemy forces.
• She was unprepared for the onslaught of criticism that followed her statement.