What Does It Mean to Dream of a Flood?

Download Article

Learn the psychological (and spiritual) significance of flood dreams

Co-authored by Kari Samuels and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: March 31, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Flood Dream Meaning

|

Spiritual Meaning

|

Psychological Significance

|

Dream Scenarios

|

Expert Interview

Dreams about floods can be both fascinating and alarming, and they can also reveal important insights about your emotional state in reality. In this article, we’ll explain the symbolism and spiritual meaning behind your flood dreams, including interpretations of common dream scenarios. We’ll also fill you in on the psychological reason behind your dreams so you can make sense of your thoughts and experiences in daily life.

Things You Should Know

Dreaming about a flood can mean you're experiencing overwhelming emotions, new beginnings, personal transformation, or a fear of change.
Spiritually, flood dreams may be a sign to let go of negative emotions.
Psychologically, flood dreams could represent suppressed emotions.

Section 1 of 4:

What does dreaming about a flood mean?

Download Article

Flood dreams symbolize emotional overload and new beginnings. Dreams about floods usually represent overwhelming emotions in your waking life, but they can also be powerful signs of growth and change. Depending on the details of your dream, the flood could be a positive or negative omen of:^{[1]
X
Research source}
- New beginnings
- Personal transformation
- Self-awareness and understanding
- Vulnerability
- Stress or anxiety
- Emotional overload
- Upcoming danger or crisis
- Fear of change or loss of control

Section 2 of 4:

What do flood dreams mean spiritually?

Download Article

Dreaming of a flood could be a sign to release negative emotions. If you’re experiencing a difficult time in your life, you might dream of a flood because you’re struggling to cope with your emotions and responsibilities. The flood could be a reminder from God (or whatever higher power you believe in) to let go of negative thoughts and seek enlightenment.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- In the Bible, the story of Noah’s Ark symbolizes that purification and tough times are necessary for salvation and new beginnings.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}

Section 3 of 4:

Why do I dream about floods?

Download Article

Psychologically, dreams tell you things your conscious mind doesn’t pick up on, revealing your hidden thoughts and desires.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach

Expert Interview} Dreaming about a flood could be a way for your mind to process your emotions, and the flood’s size, strength, and intensity may provide insight into the level of emotional distress you’re experiencing.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Section 4 of 4:

Flood Dream Interpretations by Scenario

Download Article

1
Rising water Dreams of floodwater rising rapidly symbolize misfortune and emotional overload. You might be struggling to cope with problems in your waking life, and the rise in water could mean you’re about to hit an emotional breaking point.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- What to do: List different solutions to deal with a problem, then set SMART goals to overcome it. Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist if you need extra support or a fresh perspective.
2
Being swept away by a flood Dreaming of this scary scenario means you feel little or no control over your waking life. You might feel pessimistic because things aren’t going to plan, which may cause you to make poor decisions based on your emotions, instead of rational thinking.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Practice self-care to clear your mind and develop healthy coping strategies. Rather than thinking that your abilities and future are fixed, develop a growth mindset to turn your mistakes into learning opportunities.
3
Escaping a flood or finding higher ground This dream scenario suggests you have the power to overcome obstacles in your life. You’re able to handle change effectively and forgive those who have hurt you, becoming more self-aware and emotionally intelligent.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Continue to think positively and let go of past hurts and trauma. Forgiveness is part of loving yourself and gaining control in negative situations!
4
Drowning in a flood If you dream of drowning in a flood, you might be enduring a great deal of pain and suffering. Whether it’s physical or emotional, the universe is asking you to talk to loved ones, treat yourself with kindness, and find a healthy outlet to release pent-up emotions.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Set aside time to do things that bring you joy—draw, walk outside, listen to music, watch a show, or cook your favorite meal. If possible, take time off work to cope with a negative event and prioritize your well-being.
5
Dying in a flood While death-related dreams can be alarming, they also symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. In this scenario, dying in a flood means you’ve survived tough times and are entering a new phase that’s full of opportunity and adventure.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Use this time to better yourself and make a change that you’ve been putting off. For example, you could learn a new skill, be more empathetic to others, or practice gratitude daily.
- Reader Poll: We asked 161 wikiHow readers what they find most effective for dealing with nightmares, and 49% of them said I talk about them with friends or family to process my feelings. [Take Poll]
6
Flooding of your house A house is a place of comfort and safety, so if it’s destroyed in your dream, it could mean you feel threatened or vulnerable. This could relate to changes in your personal or professional life, such as taking a romantic relationship to the next level or getting laid off from a long-term job.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Determine your priorities, and make a life plan if you feel lost or powerless. List the pros and cons for your situation before making any major decisions, then break down big goals into smaller ones so they’re more achievable.
7
Flooding outside your house When water floods outside your house, it might mean you’re unhappy about something that’s out of your control. If you don’t attempt to change your behavior or perspective, it could lead to a potentially violent, aggressive, or threatening situation in the future.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Write down your concerns in a journal, and identify areas that you can change. If you’re struggling to take control of your life, ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague for their feedback and support.
8
Seeing clear water in a flood Since water represents purification, healing, and renewal, dreaming of clear water can mean you’ve reached higher consciousness. The floodwater is “washing away” the past to introduce positive change in your life, allowing you to enter your next chapter with confidence and clarity.
- What to do: Focus on your strengths to build your self-confidence, and find ways to grow spiritually—pray, meditate, explore nature, and give back to your community.