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Deluged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deluged

[dɪˈluːdʒd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

inundated with a large amount of something

To deluge means to overwhelm someone with a large quantity of things, typically water or information. It can also refer to being flooded or swamped.

Synonyms

flooded, inundated, overwhelmed, swamped.

Examples of usage

  • The city was deluged with heavy rain, causing widespread flooding.
  • She felt deluged with work after returning from vacation.
  • The newsroom was deluged with tips from concerned citizens.
  • I was deluged with emails after the announcement was made.
  • The market was deluged with new products, making it hard to choose.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The Great Flood is a well-known story in many cultures, including the epic flood found in the Bible, where it symbolizes powerful cleansing and rebirth.
  • In 1931, China experienced one of the most devastating floods in history, affecting millions of people and showcasing the result of nature's deluge.
  • The term is often used in historical texts to describe battles where armies were 'deluged' with enemy forces, emphasizing overwhelming odds.

Pop Culture

  • Many disaster movies feature scenes where characters are deluged by unexpected floods, playing on our fears of nature's power.
  • In the video game industry, 'deluge' is often used metaphorically to describe players being overwhelmed by challenges or enemies.
  • Literature often uses deluge as a metaphor for emotional overwhelm, appearing in novels that explore deep personal struggles.

Science

  • In meteorology, a deluge can refer to a sudden, intense rainstorm that causes flash flooding, impacting communities and ecosystems.
  • In water science, the term 'deluge' also describes a rapid influx of water, such as during heavy snowmelt or storm surges along coastlines.
  • Ecologists study the effects of deluges on local habitats, observing how plants and animals adapt to sudden changes in their environment.

Psychology

  • Cognitive overload occurs when individuals are deluged with too much information, leading to stress and difficulty making decisions.
  • Therapists often discuss feeling deluged by emotions as a common experience during major life changes, emphasizing the importance of emotional processing.
  • Research shows that people may become paralyzed by choice if deluged with options, emphasizing the need for moderation in decision-making.

Origin of 'deluged'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Deluge' comes from the Latin word 'diluvium,' which means flood.
  • In Old French, 'delugia' meant a great flood, showing the word's long history in describing overwhelming water.
  • The verb form 'deluge' developed in the English language around the early 15th century.

The word 'deluged' comes from the Middle English word 'deluge', which ultimately traces back to the Latin word 'diluvium', meaning flood. The concept of being deluged has been around for centuries, as people have long struggled with the overwhelming force of floods and inundations. Over time, the word has evolved to also describe being overwhelmed with other things, such as information or tasks.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,325, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.