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Overwhelmed vs Distressed - What's the difference?

overwhelmed | distressed |

Distressed is a synonym of overwhelmed.



As verbs the difference between overwhelmed and distressed

is that overwhelmed is past tense of overwhelm while distressed is past tense of distress.

As an adjective distressed is

anxious or uneasy.

overwhelmed

English

Verb

(head)
  • (overwhelm)

    • overwhelm

    English

    Verb

  • 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)

    Derived terms

    * overwhelming

    Related terms

    * whelm

    See also

    * too many balls in the air

    distressed

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • anxious or uneasy
    • I'm distressed that John hasn't answered my calls. I hope nothing bad happened to him on the way here.
  • (of merchandise etc) damaged
  • (of a property) offered for sale after foreclosure
  • (of furniture etc) faded or abused in order to appear old, or antique

    • Verb

    (head)
  • (distress)