deluge
UK: ˈdel.juːdʒ | US: ˈdel.juːdʒ
n. 1. A severe flood or overwhelming amount of something (e.g., water, information).
vt. 2. To inundate or overwhelm with a large quantity.
The word "deluge" traces back to Latin diluvium (flood), derived from diluere ("to wash away," from de- "down" + -luere "to wash"). It entered Middle English via Old French deluge, retaining its core meaning of a catastrophic flood. The morpheme de- emphasizes downward force, while -luge conveys washing or flowing, reflecting the destructive power of water. The term later expanded metaphorically to describe overwhelming quantities (e.g., "a deluge of emails").
The village was destroyed by a sudden deluge after the dam broke.
She felt deluged with work after her vacation.
The news channel broadcasted warnings about the impending deluge.
His inbox was deluged with complaints after the product launch.
Ancient myths often speak of a great deluge wiping out civilizations.