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Overwhelmed vs Swamped - What's the difference?

overwhelmed | swamped |

As verbs the difference between overwhelmed and swamped

is that overwhelmed is past tense of overwhelm while swamped is past tense of swamp.

As an adjective swamped is

very busy; having too much to do.

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

    swamped

    English

    Adjective

    (head)
  • very busy; having too much to do
    • They have been swamped ever since they started advertising.

    Verb

    (head)
  • (swamp)