whelm

[ welm, hwelm ]

verb (used with object)

1. to submerge; engulf.
2. to overcome utterly; overwhelm:

   whelmed by misfortune.

verb (used without object)

1. to roll or surge over something so that it becomes submerged.

whelm

/ wɛlm /

verb

1. to engulf entirely with or as if with water
2. another word for overwhelm

Word History and Origins

Origin of whelm¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle English whelme, apparently blend of dialectal whelve, from Old English gehwelfan “to bend over,” and helm ² (verb), from Old English helmian “to cover”

Word History and Origins

Origin of whelm¹

C13: whelmen to turn over, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

That would be up to you, and if you go that way, spicy is available, too — definitely whelming, if not overly so.

From Seattle Times

I reviewed it and found it completely ...whelming.

From The Verge

She’s walking through the school quadrangle, ruminating on whether one “can ever just be whelmed”.

From The Guardian

He was like a worn small rock whelmed by the successive waves of his voice.

From Literature

Inside it, the kingcups bloomed and the brook whelmed up from its source.

From Literature

Related Words

• brim
• bubble over
• cascade
• deluge
• drain
• drown
• engulf
• gush
• inundate
• leak
• overrun
• pour
• run over
• soak
• spill
• spill over
• submerge
• swamp