Meaning & Definition of word "Swamp"

Swamp

/swɒmp/

noun:

  • 1. A wetland area, typically characterized by saturated soil, stagnant water, and vegetation adapted to wet conditions.
    • Example: The alligators in the swamp basked in the sun while the birds sang overhead.
  • 2. A difficult or challenging situation that is hard to escape from.
    • Example: He felt like he was in a swamp of paperwork that he couldn't get out of.

verb:

  • 1. To overwhelm or inundate, often with water or difficulty.
    • Example: The heavy rains began to swamp the low-lying areas of the town.
  • 2. To sink or submerge in a swamp; to drown or bog down.
    • Example: The car got swamped when the river overflowed its banks.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'swanp'; of uncertain origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

swamp someone:

to overwhelm someone with work or responsibilities.

swamp thing:

referring to something that is in a difficult situation.

swamp the market:

flooding a market with too much product.

Related Words

wetland:

An area of land that is flooded with water, either permanently or seasonally.

marsh:

A type of wetland that is dominated by herbaceous plants.

bog:

A wetland that accumulates peat, often acidic and low in nutrients.

Slang Meanings of swamp

Meaning: To be overloaded with responsibilities.

Example Sentence: I'm totally swamped this week with all these projects.

Meaning: To drown in work or obligations.

Example Sentence: I feel swamped by all the emails I have to reply to.