Meaning & Definition of word "Avalanche"
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Avalanche
/ˈæv.ə.læntʃ/
noun:
- 1. A large mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside.
- Example: The ski resort was closed due to the risk of an avalanche.
- 2. A sudden arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities.
- Example: She received an avalanche of messages after her birthday post went viral.
- 3. A large-scale, sudden, and rapid occurrence of something, especially in reference to a series of events.
- Example: The company faced an avalanche of complaints after the controversial advertisement.
verb:
- 1. To fall or rush down in or as if in an avalanche.
- Example: The boulders avalanched down the slope, creating a cloud of dust.
- 2. To overwhelm someone or something with a large amount of something.
- Example: 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 of avalanche
Meaning: A large number or overwhelming amount of something.
Example Sentence: There was an avalanche of likes on his latest post.
Meaning: A situation that escalates quickly.
Example Sentence: After that meeting, it felt like an avalanche of problems rolled in.