drown
UK: /draʊn/ | US: /draʊn/
vi. to die or suffer from submersion in water or another liquid
vt. to submerge or overwhelm completely (often figuratively, e.g., in sound or work)
vt. to make inaudible by louder sound
The word "drown" originates from Old English drūnian, meaning "to sink or become submerged." It is related to Old Norse drukna ("to be drowned") and shares roots with Proto-Germanic drunkną ("to drink," implying a connection to liquid ingestion). Over time, the meaning narrowed specifically to death by submersion in water. The word’s compact structure reflects its ancient Germanic roots, making it unsplittable into smaller meaningful morphemes in modern English.
She panicked when she saw the child fall into the pool, fearing he might drown.
The loud music drowned out their conversation.
Farmers worry their crops will drown if the heavy rains continue.
He drowned his sorrows in alcohol after the loss.
The coastal village was drowned by the tsunami.