Overwhelmed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
😰
overwhelmed
[ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmd ]
Definitions
feeling
feeling completely overcome or overpowered by intense emotions or pressure
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overwhelmed |
Use this word when someone feels an excessive amount of stress or emotion, often to the point where they can't cope. It can refer to both emotional situations and an excessive amount of tasks or information.
|
| swamped |
This term is appropriate when someone has an overwhelming amount of tasks or responsibilities, often indicating that they are struggling to handle everything. It has a casual, conversational tone.
|
| burdened |
This word is suitable when someone feels weighed down by responsibilities, problems, or physical loads. It often implies a long-term situation and can carry a more negative connotation.
|
| flooded |
This word is best used when referring to a situation where there is an excessive amount of something, often suddenly and overwhelmingly. It can be used for physical things like water or information and emotions.
|
Examples of usage
- I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do.
- She was overwhelmed with joy when she received the good news.
- Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by all the negativity around you.
action
to have a strong emotional effect on someone, often causing them to feel confused or defeated
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overwhelmed |
Used when someone is feeling an intense amount of stress, emotion, or workload that they can't manage easily.
|
| overpower |
Used when someone or something is much stronger than another and gains control or influence. It often implies a struggle or force.
|
| overtake |
Used when catching up with and passing something or someone, often in a competitive setting.
|
| consume |
Used when something takes up all of someone's attention, time, or resources. It can also refer to eating or drinking something.
|
Examples of usage
- The news of the accident overwhelmed me with sadness.
- He was overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling overwhelmed can trigger the body's stress response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol, which can affect mood.
- People often experience overwhelming feelings during major life changes, like moving or starting school, as everything feels new and challenging.
- It's common to feel overwhelmed when facing deadlines or multiple tasks, a response linked to anxiety.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, characters often express feeling overwhelmed when faced with tough decisions, illustrating its universal struggle.
- Songs frequently depict feelings of being overwhelmed due to love or life challenges, resonating with listeners around the world.
- Social media influencers often talk about feeling overwhelmed with life, encouraging followers to share their feelings too.
Health
- Chronic feelings of being overwhelmed can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion.
- Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage feelings of being overwhelmed and improve mental well-being.
- Physical activity, such as exercise, can also be effective in countering feelings of stress and overwhelm by releasing endorphins.
Literature
- Many literary characters experience overwhelming moments that lead to transformative growth, highlighting the theme of resilience.
- Poetry often captures the essence of feeling overwhelmed, using metaphor and imagery to express confusion and emotional depth.
- Classic works reflect the human condition, with authors illustrating instances of overwhelm to connect with readers' emotions.
Origin of 'overwhelmed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'overwhelmed' comes from the Old English word 'whelm,' meaning to turn over or cover completely.
- Its roots can be traced back to Middle English, where it depicted the idea of being submerged or engulfed by something.
- The prefix 'over-' intensifies the original meaning, suggesting a greater amount of something that isn't manageable.
The word 'overwhelmed' originated from the Middle English word 'overwhelmen', which means to submerge or overflow. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of being overwhelmed by intense emotions or pressure has been a part of human experience for centuries, and the word continues to be widely used in modern language to describe this feeling of being overcome.