unwhelm

un- +‎ whelm

• Rhymes: -ɛlm

unwhelm (third-person singular simple present unwhelms, present participle unwhelming, simple past and past participle unwhelmed)

1. (rare) To raise (someone) up from under something that has overwhelmed them.
   • 1908, Cale Young Rice, Yolanda of Cyprus‎, New York: McClure, act II, pages 64–65:

     And it is all through him
     Who as a guest came pledged into this house.
     Came with the chivalry and manly show
     Of reverence and grace, that he too well
     Has learnt in cunning lands and used to lure.
     Ah, and he seeks us now! unwhelmed of it!
     Ready of step, impassive, cold!

   • 1957, Muriel Spark, The Comforters‎, New York: Avalon, published 1965, Part One, Chapter 3, p. 59:

     ‘Well,’ said Caroline, unwhelming herself of a sudden access of confidence in the Baron’s disinterestedness