Dictionary

unwhelm en · VERB

Etymology

From un- + whelm.

Meanings

1. (rare) To raise (someone) up from under something that has overwhelmed them.
   • And it is all through him Who as a guest came pledged into this house. Came with the chivalry and manly show Of reverence and grace, that he too well Has learnt in cunning lands and used to lure. Ah, and he seeks us now! unwhelmed of it! Ready of step, impassive, cold! 1908, Cale Young Rice, Yolanda of Cyprus, New York: McClure, act II, pages 64–65:
   • ‘Well,’ said Caroline, unwhelming herself of a sudden access of confidence in the Baron’s disinterestedness 1957, Muriel Spark, The Comforters, New York: Avalon, published 1965, Part One, Chapter 3, p. 59:

Forms