Definition of "avalanche" in English

noun

1. A large mass or body of snow and ice sliding swiftly down a mountain side, or falling down a precipice.

2. A fall of earth, rocks, etc., similar to that of an avalanche of snow or ice.

3. (by extension) A sudden, great, or irresistible descent or influx; anything like an avalanche in suddenness and overwhelming quantity.

verb

1. (intransitive) To descend like an avalanche.

2. (transitive) To come down upon; to overwhelm.

   • The shelf broke and the boxes avalanched the workers.

3. (transitive) To propel downward like an avalanche.