Definition

To fall or slide down in a large and overwhelming quantity, often referring to snow or rocks.

Example

The snow began to avalanche down the mountain after the heavy storm.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the snow avalanche down the mountain last night?

Yeah, it looked really intense from the webcam!

I can't believe how quickly it can avalanche like that, right?

Absolutely, it’s fascinating and a little scary at the same time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A large amount of snow, ice, or rock that suddenly falls down a mountain, or a very large number of things happening at once.

Example

After the heavy snowfall, there was a risk of an avalanche in the mountains.

Conversation

Did you hear about the avalanche near the ski resort last weekend?

Yeah, I saw it on the news; it looked really scary!

I can't believe how quickly it happened, right?

Definition

To overwhelm or flood someone or something with a large amount of something, often in a sudden or intense way.

Example

The team was avalanched with requests for help after the disaster.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like I could be avalanched with work this week.

Yeah, it’s that time of year with all the deadlines.

I just hope I can manage it without feeling too stressed or overwhelmed.

Root Explanation

Avalanche comes from the French word *avalanche*, which is derived from the Latin *avalanche* (meaning to descend or fall). The word describes a mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountain slope.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large mass 'falling' ('avalanche') down a mountain — this helps you remember that an avalanche is a sudden descent of snow and debris.

Visually Confused Words