Synonyms for

Drown

Verb / draʊn / Another word for drown — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to die from being underwater and unable to breathe

Synonyms & similar words

submerge overwhelm swim suffocate submerge immerse douse engulf overwhelm inundate flood swamp deluge saturate soak drench plunge sink disappear vanish perish expire

Synonyms by register

Formal

submerge founder sink

Informal

go under belly up kick the bucket

Literary

succumb to the waves be swallowed by the deep

Antonyms

float survive breathe emerge resurface ascend

Common collocations

  • drown in debt
  • drown out noise
  • drown one's sorrows
  • drown a person
  • drown a puppy
  • drown a child
  • drown slowly

Word family

noun drowning
verb drown

Usage note

While 'drown' can be used metaphorically for being overwhelmed (e.g., 'drown in paperwork'), its primary meaning relates to death by suffocation in water. Ensure context is clear when using the metaphorical sense.

Example sentences

  1. The boat sank and the passengers drowned.
  2. Don't go too deep in the water or you might drown.
  3. The floodwaters threatened to drown the entire town.
  4. He was afraid he would drown in the strong current.
  5. Her parents warned her not to play near the pool because she might drown.

Quotes

  • If you want to drown, don't torture yourself with shallow water.
  • Drowning is not so pitiful as the attempt to rise.
  • The fear of drowning is like the fear of falling. Once you know how to swim, it's hard to imagine what all the fuss is about.

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