Definition of Drown
Quick Meaning of Drown
to die because you cannot breathe underwater, or to cover something completely with water
Detailed Definition of Drown
to die in water by inhaling it into the lungs; to submerge
How to Pronounce Drown
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The 'ow' sounds like the vowel in 'now' or 'cow'. Do not pronounce it like 'drone'.
Watch out: Some learners say 'drown' like 'drone' with long o.
Origin and Etymology of Drown
Old English druncnian; related to drink and Germanic roots
How to Use Drown in a Sentence
Each example shows “drown” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Many people drown every year.”
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“The child almost drowned in the pool.”
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“Music from the bar drowned out our conversation.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Drown
Common Synonyms for Drown
Smart Synonyms for Drown — When to Use Each
- sink
- emphasizing descent below the surface
- drown out
- when noise covers other sounds
Antonyms of Drown
Common Collocations with Drown
These phrases pair with “drown” in everyday English:
- drown in debt
- drown out noise
- drown one's sorrows
Common Mistakes When Using Drown
Even fluent speakers slip up with “drown”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He was drowned in the river.
- ✓ Correct: He drowned in the river.
- Why: Intransitive form doesn't use passive voice
- ✗ Wrong: The music drown out the noise.
- ✓ Correct: The music drowns out the noise.
- Why: Third person singular needs -s ending
Words Confused With Drown
- Drown vs Sink: Sink = go down; drown = die in water from oxygen lack
Other Forms of Drown
- Verb: drown
Phrasal Verbs with “Drown”
Common phrasal verbs built on the base verb “drown”.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drown
What is the meaning of "Drown"?
to die because you cannot breathe underwater, or to cover something completely with water
How do you pronounce "Drown"?
The IPA is /draʊn/. The 'ow' sounds like the vowel in 'now' or 'cow'. Do not pronounce it like 'drone'.
What part of speech is "Drown"?
"Drown" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Drown"?
Common synonyms include submerge, perish, sink.
How do you use "Drown" in a sentence?
For example: "Many people drown every year."