Meaning & Definition of word "Drown"

Drown

/draʊn/

verb:

  • 1. to die by suffocating in water or other liquid.
    • Example: He tried to swim to the shore, but the current was too strong, and he almost drowned.
  • 2. to cover completely with a liquid.
    • Example: The heavy rain drowned the fields, leaving them waterlogged and unworkable.
  • 3. to overwhelm or to be rendered powerless by something.
    • Example: She felt like she was drowning in work with all the deadlines approaching.
  • 4. to suppress or silence (a sound or voice) by a louder sound.
    • Example: The music was so loud that it drowned out their conversation.

Etymology

Middle English 'drownen', from Old English 'drūgan' meaning 'to drown'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

drown one's sorrows:

To drink alcohol in order to forget one's problems.

drown in debt:

To have overwhelming financial burdens.

drown someone out:

To make noise to the point that someone else cannot be heard.

Related Words

drowning:

The act of dying by suffocation in water or another liquid.

drowned:

Having died by drowning.

drowner:

One who drowns or has drowned something.

Slang Meanings of drown

Meaning: To be overwhelmed by emotions or responsibilities.

Example Sentence: I feel like I'm drowning in work.

Meaning: To experience a significant setback or loss.

Example Sentence: The team's morale was drowned after the defeat.