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Deluge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deluge

[หˆdษ›l.juหdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

heavy rain

A deluge is a sudden, heavy downpour of rain. It can cause flooding and destruction of property.

Synonyms

downpour, flood, torrent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deluge

Use when you want to describe an overwhelming amount of rain or something coming in a heavy, continuous flow. It can also be metaphorically used to describe an overwhelming amount of other things, like information, requests, etc.

  • The small town was hit by a deluge that caused massive flooding.
  • After the announcement, there was a deluge of complaints from customers.
downpour

Typically used to describe a sudden and heavy rainstorm. This term usually focuses specifically on the rain itself rather than the consequences it causes.

  • The unexpected downpour soaked everyone at the outdoor concert.
  • We had to cancel our picnic because of the downpour.
flood

Used to describe an overflow of water onto normally dry land, or metaphorically for an overwhelming amount of something. It also implies the damaging nature of the overflow.

  • The river's flood destroyed many homes in the area.
  • Her inbox was flooded with emails after the news went viral.
torrent

Refers to a violent, rushing stream of water. Can also be used figuratively to describe any fast and powerful flow of something like emotions, words, or actions.

  • The narrow streets turned into torrents after the heavy rain.
  • He unleashed a torrent of words in anger.

Examples of usage

  • The deluge last night caused the river to overflow its banks.
  • We were caught in a deluge while hiking in the mountains.
Context #2 | Noun

large amount

Deluge can also refer to a large amount of something, such as information or work, that is overwhelming.

Synonyms

avalanche, flood, inundation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deluge

Used for describing an overwhelming amount of water or a situation where there is too much of something, often in a figurative sense.

  • The city was hit by a deluge of rain that flooded the streets.
  • She received a deluge of emails after her promotion was announced.
flood

Most commonly refers to an overflow of water that submerges land. It can also describe an overwhelming amount of something arriving all at once.

  • The river burst its banks and caused a massive flood.
  • After the news broke, there was a flood of inquiries from the press.
inundation

Mainly used to indicate being overwhelmed, especially with water or in a more abstract sense with work, emotions, etc.

  • The coastal town expected an inundation when the tides rose.
  • The customer service department faced an inundation of complaints after the product recall.
avalanche

Typically describes a large mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside, but can also refer to an overwhelming quantity of something, usually negative.

  • The skiers were caught in an avalanche on the mountain.
  • The new policy was met with an avalanche of complaints.

Examples of usage

  • I received a deluge of emails after the announcement.
  • The team was faced with a deluge of orders during the holiday season.
Context #3 | Verb

overwhelm

To deluge someone or something means to overwhelm with a large quantity of something.

Synonyms

flood, inundate, swamp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deluge

Used when referring to a heavy downpour of rain or a large amount of something arriving at the same time, usually in a dramatic way.

  • The small village was unable to handle the sudden deluge of tourists.
  • We were caught in a deluge during our hike.
flood

Commonly used to describe an overflow of water onto normally dry land, or a large quantity of things appearing or arriving at once.

  • After the storm, the riverbanks burst, causing a major flood in the area.
  • The inbox was flooded with hundreds of messages after the announcement.
inundate

Often used to describe being overwhelmed by a large amount of things or people. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The customer service department was inundated with complaints after the product recall.
  • During the monsoon, the streets are often inundated with water.
swamp

Can be used to describe being overwhelmed or submerged, often with a negative nuance. Also refers to a wetland area.

  • The students were swamped with homework during exam week.
  • The heavy rains swamp the low-lying fields every year.

Examples of usage

  • The company was deluged with complaints after the product recall.
  • The team was deluged with work during the project deadline.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term is famously used in the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, describing a divine flood that cleansed the world.
  • In John Miltonโ€™s 'Paradise Lost', the deluge symbolizes chaos and divine judgment.
  • Many cultures have flood myths, often seen as a cleansing or rebirth of the earth post-calamity.

Science

  • In meteorology, a deluge can refer to rainfall exceeding a certain rate, usually over 2.5 inches per hour.
  • The term is also used to describe events in geology where massive amounts of water reshape landscapes, like during ice melt after glaciations.
  • Deluges can significantly impact ecosystems, leading to flooding that can devastate wildlife habitats.

Pop Culture

  • Deluge has been used as the title for various films and novels, symbolizing environmental challenges.
  • In video games, deluge-themed scenarios often depict characters escaping apocalyptic floods.
  • Songs and artworks have drawn inspiration from deluges, often using them to represent emotional overwhelm.

Psychology

  • The concept of being overwhelmed can metaphorically be described as a deluge of emotions or stress.
  • Therapists often help individuals manage feelings that feel like a deluge, encouraging techniques to cope with overwhelming situations.
  • Deluge can metaphorically describe information overload in the digital age, affecting mental well-being.

Origin of 'deluge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'diluvium', meaning 'flood'.
  • It traces back to the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'luere' meaning 'to wash'.
  • In medieval times, it referred to both physical floods and metaphorical overwhelming of something.

The word 'deluge' originated from the Latin word 'diluvium', meaning flood. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a great flood or overwhelming amount. The biblical story of Noah's Ark and the Great Flood is one of the most famous deluges in history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,916, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.