Awash Meaning and Definition
Awash
Pronunciation
/ˈəˈwôsh/
Part of Speech
Pronoun
Definition
Awash refers to something that is fully covered or overflowing, especially with liquid. It can also describe a place or area that is flooded with water or other substances.
Examples
- The storm caused the river to be awash with overflow from the nearby dam.
- Her long hair was left awash with seawater after she fell off the boat.
Synonyms
- Flooded
- Overflowing
- Covered
Antonyms
- Desiccated
- Arid
- Empty
Etymology
The word ‘awash’ comes from Old English ‘on wæþscan’ which is derived from ‘wæþs’ (water) and the prefix ‘on’ indicating being in a state. The modern English version ‘awash’ dates back to the 16th century and is often used in nautical contexts to describe a ship going up a river or coastal waters.
Usage Notes
The word ‘awash’ is often used in figurative language to describe something that is overwhelmed or full of a particular substance, whether it be water, emotion, or ideas. It can also be used to describe a situation that is out of control or chaotic.
Cultural References
‘Awash’ has appeared in various literary and musical works, such as Edgar Allan Poe’s poem ‘The City in the Sea’ which describes a city “awash with tears and sorrow” and the song “River in the Sun” by Lenny Kravitz which mentions the town of “Memphis, awash in the tears of the past”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘Awash with’ is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe something that is overflowing or flooded with a particular substance or emotion.
Related Words or Phrases
Some related words or phrases to ‘awash’ include ‘inundate,’ ‘surge,’ ‘submerge,’ and ‘overwhelmed.’
Collocations
‘Awash’ can be used in various collocations such as “awash with water,” “breast awash with milk,” or “eye awash with tears.”
Frequency of Use
‘Awash’ is a less common word in modern language, but it can be useful in specific contexts such as describing a flooded area or a situation that is overwhelmed with a particular substance.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of ‘awash’ include ‘awashs,’ ‘awashses,’ and ‘a wash.’