What does deluge mean?
Deluge refers to a great flood — either literally, as a torrential downpour or overflowing of water, or figuratively, as an overwhelming rush of things. In everyday use the figurative sense dominates: one might speak of a deluge of emails, complaints, donations, or applications, always implying far more than can easily be handled. The word carries a connotation of excess and often of being caught off guard; being deluged suggests both abundance and strain. As a verb, to deluge someone is to overwhelm them with a flood of information or requests, as in "the office was deluged with calls." The term derives from Latin diluvium, meaning a flood, and retains a slightly elevated, literary tone compared with plainer alternatives like "flood" or "rush." Its vividness makes it a favourite of journalists and writers seeking to convey sheer volume.
A severe flood; an overwhelming outpouring or rush of something.
"The village endured a deluge that washed away several bridges."
Frequently used figuratively: "a deluge of requests."
To flood or overwhelm with a large quantity of something.
"The newspaper was deluged with letters after the editorial was published."
The plural "deluges" typically refers to multiple separate flood events or overwhelming rushes of things, rather than the singular event sense more common today.
"Repeated deluges over the summer left the region's farmers struggling to recover."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deluge
Deluge comes from the Old French deluge, which itself derives from the Latin diluvium, meaning a flood or inundation, formed from the verb diluere, "to wash away." The word entered English in the late Middle English period and has long been associated with catastrophic flooding, including biblical accounts of the Great Flood. Cognates sharing the same Latin root include "antediluvian," referring to the time before the biblical flood, and "diluvial," used in geology to describe deposits laid down by floods.
How deluge is actually used
Both formal and informal registers accept "deluge"; the figurative sense is very common in journalism and business writing. Often appears as "a deluge of" followed by a plural noun.
Easily confused with deluge
"Deluge" means to flood or overwhelm with a large quantity, while "dilute" means to make something weaker by mixing it with another substance.