Spanish Conversation · Level 81
60 words
Spanish word
abrumar
Pronunciation
IPA/aβɾuˈmaɾ/
Meaning
- verboverwhelm
Example
Esta situación me abruma.
This situation overwhelms me.
More examples
El ruido constante me abruma cuando estudio.
The constant noise overwhelms me when I study.
Core concept
A person crushed under a heavy stack of boxes.
Common phrases
abrumar a alguien
overwhelm someone
abrumar con trabajo
overwhelm with work
Similar words
agobiar: Overwhelms someone's time and emotions with too many tasks or worries, producing stress.
sofocar: Produces a choking, constricting feeling that makes action or breathing difficult.
agotar: Uses up all of a person's stamina or willpower until they are utterly spent.
desbordar: Floods a person's capacity with more than they can handle, leaving them unable to respond.
Definition in Spanish
Causar a una persona una sensación de exceso o presión que le impide actuar o pensar con normalidad.
Word origin
From Latin obruere 'to cover or overthrow' (ob- 'over' + ruere 'to rush'), which shifted from literal weight to a figurative sense of weighing someone down mentally.
Usage tips
- In conversation me abruma and abrumar a alguien con algo are common patterns to say that something is pressing or burdensome, for example la cantidad de trabajo me abruma or me abruma con preguntas.
Other meanings
- burdenverb
Opposites
- aliviarrelieveverb
- desahogarunburdenverb
Related words
- abrumadoroverwhelmingadjective
- abrumamientofeeling of overwhelmnoun