| 释义 |
▪ I. overˈwhelming, vbl. n.
[f. as prec. + -ing1.]
The action of the verb overwhelm; † turning over, revolution (obs.); submersion, overpowering, etc.
1387–8T. Usk Test. Love iii. iv. (Skeat) I. 145 The course of the planettes, and overwhelminges of the sonne in dayes and nightes. 1645Milton Tetrach. (1851) 195 The overwhelming of his afflicted servants. 1883Athenæum 4 Aug. 134/3 A story of a sharp fight for existence and an ultimate overwhelming.
▪ II. overˈwhelming, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
1. That overwhelms, overthrows, overturns, or submerges utterly; so powerful as to overcome utterly by strength of numbers, influence, etc.
1667[implied in overwhelmingly below]. 1742Young Nt. Th. iii. 219 O'erwhelming Turrets threaten ere they fall. 1818Lady Morgan Autobiog. (1859) 217 The concourse of people of all nations that assemble here, on a Wednesday evening, is overwhelming. 1845Darwin Voy. Nat. xiv. (1879) 303 The island itself..showed the overwhelming power of the earthquake. 1855Macaulay Hist. Eng. xv. III. 536 Two Tories were returned by an overwhelming majority. 1887Spectator 8 Oct. 1337 The temptation to close the Canal against our troopships may be overwhelming.
†2. Overhanging. Obs.
1592Shakes. Rom. & Jul. v. i. 39 An Appothecarie..In tattred weeds, with ouerwhelming browes.
†3. ? Overpowered with emotion. Obs.
(? For overwhelmed or overflowing.)
1571Duke of Norfolk in 14th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. iv. 574 Prayinge..with an ouerwhelminge harte and watered cheekes.
Hence overˈwhelmingly adv., in an overwhelming or overpowering manner; overˈwhelmingness.
1667Decay Chr. Piety (1671) 142 Light and trivial;..indeed in respect of the acquest, but overwhelmingly ponderous in regard of the..pernicious consequents. a1834Coleridge Lit. Rem. II. 174 You see in him..the overwhelmingness of circumstances, for a time surmounting his sense of duty. 1881Blackw. Mag. May 570/2 Its force, its overwhelmingness, and its harshness, found a more congenial place in the colder regions. 1885Manch. Exam. 13 Jan. 5/3 The probabilities in their favour are overwhelmingly great. |