Drown

Definition

Drown refers to the process of dying through submersion in and inhalation of water or other liquids. It can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by an excessive amount of something.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /draʊn/
• Respelling: drown

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /draʊn/
• Respelling: drown

The pronunciation of "drown" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "drown" originates from the Old English word "druncnian," which meant "to be swallowed up by water" or "to be overcome by drink." It is related to the Old Norse word "drukkna," meaning "to drown," and has evolved in modern English to describe death by submersion in water.

Derivatives

• Drowning (noun)
• Drowned (adjective)
• Overdrown (verb)
• Drownable (adjective)
• Drowner (noun)

Synonyms

• Sink
• Submerge
• Suffocate (in water)

Antonyms

• Rescue
• Float
• Save

Usage

The word "drown" is commonly used in contexts related to water safety, accidents, or death by submersion. It is also used metaphorically to describe overwhelming emotions or situations, such as being "drowned in work" or "drowning in sorrow."

Related Terms

• Submersion: The act of being completely covered or engulfed by water or liquid.
• Asphyxiation: The condition of being deprived of oxygen, which can occur during drowning.
• Immersion: The state of being deeply submerged in water or liquid.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To die by being submerged in water and unable to breathe: Refers to the act of death through submersion and inhalation of liquid.
  • Example: "He nearly drowned while swimming in the rough sea."
• To overwhelm someone or something: Used figuratively to describe being inundated by too much of something.
  • Example: "She felt drowned by the amount of work she had to complete."