Inundate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฆ
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inundate

[หˆษชn.ษ™n.deษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to flood

To overwhelm someone or something with a large amount of things or people. To cover or submerge with water. To flood or overspread with water; to cover with water, especially to a great depth.

Synonyms

deluge, flood, overwhelm, submerge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inundate

This is often used to describe a situation where someone or something is overwhelmed with an excessive amount of something, such as work, requests, or information.

  • The customer service team was inundated with complaints.
  • After the meeting, my inbox was inundated with follow-up emails.
flood

Usually pertains to water overflowing onto normally dry land, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming influx of things or people.

  • The river will flood if the rain doesnโ€™t stop soon.
  • The inbox flooded with messages after the announcement.
overwhelm

This is used when someone or something is completely overcome or overpowered by emotions, tasks, or situations. It has a strong emotional connotation.

  • She was overwhelmed with joy when she heard the news.
  • The team was overwhelmed by the complexity of the project.
submerge

Mainly refers to something being entirely under water, but can also be used metaphorically to describe being deeply immersed in an activity or emotion.

  • The car was completely submerged after the flood.
  • He submerged himself in his work to forget his troubles.
deluge

Typically used to describe a large, overwhelming amount of something, often related to water. It can also figuratively describe an overwhelming quantity of anything.

  • The sudden deluge caused severe flooding in the area.
  • The company faced a deluge of criticism after the controversial ad was released.

Examples of usage

  • The town was inundated by heavy rain.
  • The office was inundated with job applications.
  • The river inundated the surrounding fields.

Translations

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

Origin of 'inundate'

The word 'inundate' comes from the Latin word 'inundatus', which means 'to overflow'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of flooding or overwhelming with a large amount of something. The verb 'inundate' is often used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed with tasks, information, or emotions.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,153 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.