Encompass vs Overwhelm - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between encompass and overwhelm

is that encompass is to form a circle around; to encircle while overwhelm is to engulf, surge over and submerge.

(es)

To form a circle around; to encircle.

To include within its scope; to circumscribe or go round so as to surround; to enclose; to contain.

To include completely; to describe fully or comprehensively.

This book on English grammar encompasses all irregular verbs.

To go around, especially, to circumnavigate.

Drake encompassed the globe.

* comprehend * embrace * include

* *

To engulf, surge over and submerge.

The dinghy was overwhelmed by the great wave.

To overpower, crush.

In December 1939 the Soviet Union attacked Finland with overwhelming force.

* Bible, Psalms lxxviii. 53

The sea overwhelmed their enemies.

To overpower emotionally.

He was overwhelmed with guilt.

Joy overwhelmed her when she realized that she had won a million dollars.

To cause to surround, to cover.

(Papin)

* overwhelming