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deluge
/ˈdɛljuːdʒ/
great flood or overwhelming amount
After the dam broke, a deluge swept through the valley.
A massive flood destroyed everything in its path after the dam collapsed.
literaryformal
A severe flood or overwhelming quantity of something.
The city was hit by a deluge of rain that lasted for days.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in the city.
She received a deluge of emails after announcing the new policy.
She was overwhelmed by the large number of emails she received.
Often used metaphorically to describe an excessive amount of something abstract (e.g., information, complaints).
formal
To flood or overwhelm with a large amount of something.
The website was deluged with requests after the viral post.
The website became overwhelmed due to the sudden surge in traffic.
Commonly used in passive voice (e.g., 'be deluged with').
Collocations
deluge ofa large amount ofbe deluged withto be overwhelmed by
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'flood'
'Deluge' implies a sudden, overwhelming quantity, often with a sense of disaster or excess. 'Flood' can refer to any overflow of water, not necessarily sudden or overwhelming.
Gold Rule
Avoid overuse
Use 'deluge' sparingly in formal writing to maintain its impact. Overuse can dilute its dramatic effect.
Word Origin
From Middle English deluge, from Old French deluge (12th century), from Latin dēlūvium 'a washing away, flood,' from dēlūere 'to wash away,' from de- 'away' + lūere 'to wash.'
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal or literary contexts. The verb form is less common but emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the action.
Word Breakdown
de-
away
prefix-lūere
to wash
rootEnglish Dictionary