#1 overwhelm v. [overpower, sweep over, whelm, overcome, overtake] overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli. wn #2 overwhelm v. [deluge, flood out] charge someone with too many tasks. wn #3 overwhelm v. [submerge, drown] cover completely or make imperceptible; "I was drowned in work"; "The noise drowned out her speech". wn #4 overwhelm v. [overpower, overmaster] overcome by superior force. wn