Which word best describes an overwhelming rush or flood?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The word "deluge" is defined as an overwhelming rush or flood, especially of water. It conveys the sense of a massive influx or inundation that can overwhelm an area, whether it is literally in terms of water or metaphorically in other contexts. The term is often used to describe situations such as heavy rainfall that leads to flooding, which aligns perfectly with the idea of an overwhelming rush.

In contrast, "chaotic" refers to a state of utter confusion or disorder and does not specifically capture the sense of a flood-like rush. "Trickle" implies a very slow and small flow of liquid, which is the opposite of an overwhelming rush. "Ebb" describes the movement of tides receding away, suggesting a decrease or withdrawal rather than an increase or flood. Therefore, "deluge" is the most accurate term to describe an overwhelming rush or flood.