deluge
DEL-yooj
/ˈdeljuːdʒ/
A severe flood or an overwhelming rush of water; figuratively, an overwhelming quantity of something.
Implies an immense, submerge-level volume of rain or water, often used metaphorically for information or requests.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'diluvium' (great flood), built from 'dis-' (away) and 'lavere/luere' (to wash). Passed through Old French 'deluge' into English in the 14th century.
Word relationships
- inundation: Inundation refers directly to the flooding or covering of dry land by water.
- drought: Drought is an extended period of dry weather and lack of rain.
Commonly confused with
- downpour: Downpour focuses on falling rain, while deluge emphasizes the resulting overwhelming mass of water.
Word family
- deluged (verb): Overwhelmed with a flood or great volume.
Collocations
- veritable deluge
- deluge of rain
- deluge of emails
Idioms & expressions
- after me, the deluge
Example sentences
- "The continuous deluge broke riverbanks and inundated lowland villages across the valley." Modern media flooding narrative
Memory hook
A DELUGE DELIVERS huge volumes of water. Overwhelming flood of water.
When not to use
Do not use for minor puddles or ordinary short rains.
Fun facts
- The French phrase 'Après moi, le déluge' ('After me, the flood') is attributed to King Louis XV of France.
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