inundate

[ in-uhn-deyt, -uhn- ]

verb (used with object)

, in·un·dat·ed, in·un·dat·ing.

1. to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge.
2. to overwhelm:

   inundated with letters of protest.

   Synonyms: glut

inundate

/ ˈɪnʌnˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to cover completely with water; overflow; flood; swamp
2. to overwhelm, as if with a flood

   to be inundated with requests

Derived Forms

• ˈinunˌdator, noun
• ˌinunˈdation, noun
• ˈinundant, adjective

Other Words From

• in·un·da·tion [in-, uh, n-, dey, -sh, uh, n, -uhn-] noun
• in·un·da·tor noun
• in·un·da·to·ry [in-, uhn, -d, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inundate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin inundātus, past participle of inundāre “to flood, overflow,” equivalent to in- in- ² + und(a) “wave” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of inundate¹

C17: from Latin inundāre to flood, from unda wave

Synonym Study

See flood.

Example Sentences

The new ads by Garcia and Whitesides mark the start of a major advertising blitz that will inundate Southern California airwaves through election day.

From Los Angeles Times

Technicians drill holes into the infested wood to reach the termite "gallery" or lair, then inject poison into the hole to inundate the bugs.

From Science Daily

Another 18 rivers were experiencing moderate flooding, which can inundate some structures and may lead to evacuations.

From New York Times

Cities around the world face supercharged rainstorms that turn streets into rivers, flood subway systems and inundate residential neighborhoods, often with deadly consequences.

From New York Times

Cities around the world face supercharged rainstorms that turn streets into rivers, flood subway systems and inundate residential neighborhoods, often with deadly consequences.

From New York Times

Related Words

• deluge
• engulf
• flood
• overflow
• overrun
• submerge
• swamp