English Reference
noun

flooding

n.
US /ˈfɫədɪŋ/ UK /flˈʌdɪŋ/ flood·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    when a large amount of water covers an area that is usually dry.

    the submerging of land that is usually dry, typically caused by heavy rain or an overflowing river.

    Simple

    Heavy rain caused severe flooding in the streets of the city center.

    In context

    The coastal town implemented new drainage systems to mitigate the risk of seasonal flooding caused by rising sea levels and storm surges.

    delugeoverflowinundation
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Psychology

    a feeling of being so overwhelmed by emotions like anger or fear that you cannot think clearly.

    a psychological state where an individual is overwhelmed by intense emotions, often triggering a fight-or-flight response.

    Simple

    When he feels emotional flooding during an argument, he needs to take a break.

    In context

    Therapists often teach grounding techniques to help patients manage emotional flooding before it escalates into a full panic attack.

    overwhelmsensory overload
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Psychology

    a type of therapy where a person is suddenly faced with the thing they fear most to help them get over it.

    a behavioral therapy technique used to treat phobias by exposing the patient to their most feared stimulus for a prolonged period.

    Simple

    The doctor suggested flooding to help her overcome her extreme fear of spiders.

    In context

    Unlike systematic desensitization, flooding involves immediate and maximum exposure to the phobic stimulus to extinguish the fear response quickly.

    exposure therapyimplosion therapy
    desensitization

Four people have died after heavy rain and flooding in Japan, with thousands more left stranded.

Sky News· 14 Aug 2026

Areas of Chiba recorded upwards of 360mm of rain in 24 hours into Friday, flooding roads and rail lines during the Bon Buddhist holiday week, one of Japan’s busiest travel periods.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated