What does the term 'inundate' mean?

The term 'inundate' means to flood or overwhelm. Its origins can be traced back to Latin, where it was used to describe the act of overflowing with water, particularly in the context of rivers or heavy rainfall. In a broader sense, 'inundate' can be applied metaphorically to situations where someone is overwhelmed by a large quantity of something, such as information, tasks, or responsibilities. This dual application helps solidify its meaning as both a literal and figurative flood.

While the other options may seem plausible in different contexts, they do not capture the core idea of 'inundate.' Draining or emptying suggests a reduction in quantity, while clarifying or explaining implies making something easier to understand. Dispersing or scattering indicates a distribution rather than a collection or flood. Hence, the definition aligned with flooding or overwhelming accurately reflects the essence of the term.