# abask

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abask
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to be defeated or overwhelmed by something. It is an old-fashioned word that you might see in very old books or poems.

For teachers: to be defeated, overwhelmed, or overpowered by a superior force or circumstance. Archaic in modern usage, primarily found in historical or literary contexts.

## Examples

- The small army abasked before the powerful king.
- The weary travelers abasked under the weight of the heavy snow and the cold wind.
- In the ancient epic, the hero's spirit abasked before the sheer magnitude of the divine challenge, leading to a moment of profound humility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.