Which term can describe something that is overwhelming in a literal or figurative sense?

The term "inundate" is appropriate for describing something that is overwhelming, whether literally or figuratively. In its most literal sense, to inundate means to flood, which conveys the idea of an overwhelming amount of water. This concept can also translate into a figurative context, where it describes being overwhelmed by tasks, responsibilities, or information, similar to being flooded by excessive demands.

Understanding this term helps convey a sense of being overpowered by quantity or pressure, making it versatile in various contexts where one might feel overloaded. The imagery of flooding effectively communicates the intensity of the feeling being described—whether dealing with an avalanche of emails or an onslaught of emotional or physical challenges.