wash over

Verb

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.