We explain what it means to be overwhelmed and the origin of the term. Also, examples in sentences and synonyms.
What does it mean to be overwhelmed?
When we say that we are overwhelmed, we mean that we are in an emotional situation of burden, tedium, amazement or admiration, always with the sense of finding ourselves in front of something that overwhelms us, surpasses us, overwhelms us. When a person is overwhelmed, then, they are taken by a powerful feeling of anguish, surprise or boredom.
The word overwhelm comes from the Latin joke, “mollusc”, name given in classical antiquity to certain animals that feed on wood and therefore could eat away at the hull of ships, making them heavier and less manoeuvrable. From there would have derived, in a figurative sense, the idea that someone overwhelmed is someone who reacts as those plagued ships did.
There is, however, a certain ambiguity about the overwhelming feeling that the word overwhelmed evokes. That is, it can be used to refer to negative feelings (and in that sense it is more like overwhelmed), as well as other more neutral or positive ones, such as surprise or even happiness. For example:
- I am overwhelmed by the responsibilities at my job.
- Maria is still overwhelmed by the death of her parents.
- The economic crisis is not so overwhelming.
But also:
- Jorge is overwhelmed by so many recognitions.
- I received an overwhelming surprise on my birthday.
- The arrival of investors overwhelmed local markets.
So, they are synonymous with overwhelmed: overwhelmed, overwhelmed, overwhelmed, harassed, oppressed, anguished, jaded, stunned, uncomfortable or even surprised. On the contrary, they are antonyms: relieved, relaxed, comforted or impassive.