swamp
UK: swɒmp | US: swɑːmp
n. an area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects; a bog or marsh
vt. to overwhelm or flood with water or excessive amounts of something
vi. to become submerged or filled with water
The word "swamp" likely entered English in the early 17th century from Dutch zwamp or Low German swamp, meaning "sponge, marsh." It shares roots with Old Norse svöppr ("sponge") and may trace back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "spongy or damp ground." Unlike many English words with Latin or Greek roots, "swamp" retains its compact Germanic structure, reflecting its direct connection to natural landscapes. Its verb sense ("to overwhelm") emerged later, metaphorically extending the idea of being flooded or submerged.
The explorers struggled to cross the dense swamp.
Heavy rains threatened to swamp the coastal town.
Her inbox was swamped with emails after the announcement.
The boat nearly capsized when it swamped in the storm.
Mangroves thrive in the brackish water of tropical swamps.