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Translate files Avalanche
/ˈæv.ə.læntʃ/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A large mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside.
The ski resort was closed due to the risk of an avalanche.
A sudden arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities.
She received an avalanche of messages after her birthday post went viral.
A large-scale, sudden, and rapid occurrence of something, especially in reference to a series of events.
The company faced an avalanche of complaints after the controversial advertisement.
verb
To fall or rush down in or as if in an avalanche.
The boulders avalanched down the slope, creating a cloud of dust.
To overwhelm someone or something with a large amount of something.
The students were avalanched with homework after the break.
Etymology
From French 'avalanche', from Latin 'ad' (to) + 'vallis' (valley)
Common Phrases and Expressions
avalanches of paperwork
a large number of documents requiring attention
an avalanche of criticism
a sudden large amount of criticism received
to trigger an avalanche
to initiate a series of events that lead to a larger outcome
Related Words
landslide
A sudden collapse of earth material down a slope.
snowdrift
A bank of snow piled by the wind.
rockfall
A rapid descent of a mass of loose rock.
Slang Meanings
A large number or overwhelming amount of something.
There was an avalanche of likes on his latest post.
A situation that escalates quickly.
After that meeting, it felt like an avalanche of problems rolled in.