Meaning & Definition of word "Deluge"

Deluge

/ˈdɛljuːdʒ/

noun:

  • 1. A severe flood.
    • Example: The deluge caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • 2. An overwhelming amount of something.
    • Example: After the announcement, there was a deluge of applications for the scholarship.

verb:

  • 1. To inundate with a great quantity of something.
    • Example: The town was deluged with calls after the news broke.
  • 2. To overwhelm or flood with a large number of things.
    • Example: They were deluged with work following the launch of the new product.

Etymology

From Latin 'diluvium', meaning a flood, related to 'diluere', meaning to wash away.

Common Phrases and Expressions

deluge of requests:

a very large number of requests at once

deluge of emotions:

a sudden overwhelming feeling of multiple emotions

deluge effect:

the phenomenon where a sudden influx overwhelms a system

Related Words

flood:

an overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal limits.

torrent:

a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid.

inundate:

to overflow with water; to overwhelm.

Slang Meanings of deluge

Meaning: A significant amount or flow of something, often overwhelming.

Example Sentence: I’ve got a deluge of homework to do this weekend.

Meaning: When something is too much to handle.

Example Sentence: Ever since I took on that new project, I’ve been feeling a deluge of stress.