Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To cover over completely, as by a great wave; to overflow and bury beneath; to engulf; hence, figuratively, to immerse and bear down; to overpower; to crush; to bury; to oppress, etc., overpoweringly.

2. (v. t.) To project or impend over threateningly.

3. (v. t.) To cause to surround, to cover.

4. (n.) The act of overwhelming.