Definition of the word wash over

The phrase "wash over" means to affect, influence, or overwhelm someone or something in a powerful or significant way. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 17th century when it was used to describe the action of water over coastal areas during high tide. Initially, the phrase was solely related to the impact of the tide, but its usage gradually expanded to other contexts. The idiom's figurative meaning emerged as a metaphor for the powerful emotions that can engulf an individual, much like ocean waves gradually infiltrate shorelines. Similarly, the phrase "wash over" is now used metaphorically to describe the effects of various stimuli, including emotions, news, or ideas, much as a wave crashing on the shore leaves an indelible mark. This use has become popular in contemporary English, where people often say "It just washed over me" when describing feelings such as awe, elation, sadness, or relief, among others.