drown
word
Definition
To die or almost die because you cannot breathe underwater. It can also mean to cause someone or something to go underwater so they cannot breathe, or to be overwhelmed by a large amount of something.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used about accidents in water: 'drown in a river,' 'drown at sea.' 'Drown' can be intransitive ('He drowned') or transitive ('The flood drowned the village'). It is also common figuratively: 'drown in work,' 'drown out the noise' (a separate phrasal meaning: cover a sound with a louder one).
Example Sentences
The child almost drowned in the pool.
basic
Many people drown every year because they cannot swim.
basic
Heavy rain can drown small plants.
basic
I'm drowning in emails today, so I may reply late.
natural
She turned up the music to drown out the traffic noise.
natural
After the meeting, we went out for coffee to drown our stress.
natural