wash over

wash over (third-person singular simple present washes over, present participle washing over, simple past and past participle washed over)

1. (transitive) To pass (one) unnoticed so that one is unaffected by it.

   The news of the actor's death just washed over me, as I had never particularly cared for him.

2. (transitive) To affect the emotions of (a person) suddenly and overwhelmingly.

   Embarrassment washed over me as I realized I had forgotten the notes for my presentation.

3. (transitive) To surge over the banks, or other retaining structure.

   The river washed over the embankment at several places.

• overwash