▪ I. overˈwhelming, vbl. n.
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of the verb overwhelm; † turning over, revolution (obs.); submersion, overpowering, etc.
| 1387–8 T. Usk Test. Love iii. iv. (Skeat) I. 145 The course of the planettes, and overwhelminges of the sonne in dayes and nightes. 1645 Milton Tetrach. (1851) 195 The overwhelming of his afflicted servants. 1883 Athenæum 4 Aug. 134/3 A story of a sharp fight for existence and an ultimate overwhelming. |
▪ II. overˈwhelming, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
1. That overwhelms, overthrows, overturns, or submerges utterly; so powerful as to overcome utterly by strength of numbers, influence, etc.
| 1667 [implied in overwhelmingly below]. 1742 Young Nt. Th. iii. 219 O'erwhelming Turrets threaten ere they fall. 1818 Lady Morgan Autobiog. (1859) 217 The concourse of people of all nations that assemble here, on a Wednesday evening, is overwhelming. 1845 Darwin Voy. Nat. xiv. (1879) 303 The island itself..showed the overwhelming power of the earthquake. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xv. III. 536 Two Tories were returned by an overwhelming majority. 1887 Spectator 8 Oct. 1337 The temptation to close the Canal against our troopships may be overwhelming. |
† 2. Overhanging. Obs.
| 1592 Shakes. Rom. & Jul. v. i. 39 An Appothecarie..In tattred weeds, with ouerwhelming browes. |
† 3. ? Overpowered with emotion. Obs.
(? For overwhelmed or overflowing.)
| 1571 Duke of Norfolk in 14th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. iv. 574 Prayinge..with an ouerwhelminge harte and watered cheekes. |
Hence overˈwhelmingly adv., in an overwhelming or overpowering manner; overˈwhelmingness.
| 1667 Decay Chr. Piety (1671) 142 Light and trivial;..indeed in respect of the acquest, but overwhelmingly ponderous in regard of the..pernicious consequents. a 1834 Coleridge Lit. Rem. II. 174 You see in him..the overwhelmingness of circumstances, for a time surmounting his sense of duty. 1881 Blackw. Mag. May 570/2 Its force, its overwhelmingness, and its harshness, found a more congenial place in the colder regions. 1885 Manch. Exam. 13 Jan. 5/3 The probabilities in their favour are overwhelmingly great. |