1To drown or struggle in the water; to sink below the surface and be unable to breathe (nearly or actually drown).
海で溺れている人を見つけて救助した。
I found someone drowning in the sea and rescued them.
泳げない子どもが川で溺れかけた。
A child who couldn't swim nearly drowned in the river.
溺れている人を見かけたらすぐに助けを呼んでください。
If you see someone drowning, call for help immediately.
2To be drowned in or to indulge in something; to be overly absorbed or addicted (e.g., to alcohol, work, love).
若い頃は酒に溺れて苦労した時期がある。
When I was young I had a period of trouble from being addicted to alcohol.
彼は仕事に溺れて家庭を顧みなくなった。
He became so absorbed in work that he neglected his family.
甘いものに溺れると健康を損なうことがある。
Indulging too much in sweets can harm your health.