Wash over
verb
To suddenly affect someone strongly.
A wave of relief washed over me when I heard the good news.
Often appears as...
- relief wash over
- fear wash over
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To cover or engulf completely like water.
The tsunami washed over the coastal village, leaving destruction in its wake.
Often appears as...
- tsunami wash over
- rain wash over
verb
To move across or through someone in waves.
A feeling of joy washed over her as she saw her newborn child.
Often appears as...
- feeling wash over
- happiness wash over
verb
To suddenly affect someone strongly.
A wave of relief washed over me when I heard the good news.
Often appears as...
- relief wash over
- fear wash over
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To cover or engulf completely like water.
The tsunami washed over the coastal village, leaving destruction in its wake.
Often appears as...
- tsunami wash over
- rain wash over
verb
To move across or through someone in waves.
A feeling of joy washed over her as she saw her newborn child.
Often appears as...
- feeling wash over
- happiness wash over
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often indicates a strong, sudden emotional response to a situation.
A sense of calm washed over me as I listened to the soothing music.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive or Negative
Can describe positive or negative emotions, focus on the context to understand which.
Panic washed over me as the deadline approached.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Usage
It's used metaphorically to describe feelings, not a physical action.
Anxiety washed over me during the interview.
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