He was trying to 'drown his fears'. [=to get drunk so that he wouldn't be afraid]
I'm being 'drowned in' paperwork. [=I'm being overwhelmed by paperwork]
Noise from the passing airplane 'drowned out' our conversation.
(..) I see. Crikey! Is my roommate a dick? Hmm? Listen. If we can't break the ice... ...how about we drown it? So what's your story? You the poor kid that never got to go to Exeter or Andover? Despite my privileged upbringing, I'm well-balanced. (..)2001 A Beautiful Mind