drowning

drown-ing · verb, noun

imported

Definitions

verb, noun

  1. 1.

    Dying or in the process of dying from submersion in water.

  2. 2.

    Death caused by submersion in water and inhalation of water.

  3. 3.

    Being overwhelmed by something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    drowning in — overwhelmed by something
  • •
    a drowning man will clutch at straws — desperate people try anything

Related words

See also: drown, drowned

Etymology

From Old Norse drukna ("to be drowned"), with present participle suffix -ing.