maelstrom

/'meilstroum/
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maelstrom

A ship struggles against a maelstrom in the stormy sea.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A powerful, violent, and often large whirlpool: A maelstrom is a strong, circular current of water, typically caused by the meeting of opposing tides or currents, creating a dangerous vortex that can pull objects downward.
    • A state of great confusion, violence, or turmoil: By extension, "maelstrom" metaphorically describes any situation or environment that is chaotic, turbulent, and overwhelming, as if one were caught in a powerful whirlpool.
Examples of Usage

  • Literal meaning (whirlpool):

    • The small boat was helplessly drawn into the maelstrom.
    • Sailors feared the legendary maelstroms off the coast of Norway.

  • Figurative meaning (turmoil):

    • The country was caught in a maelstrom of political unrest.
    • Her mind was a maelstrom of conflicting emotions after the news.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be caught in a maelstrom of [something]": To be trapped in a chaotic and uncontrollable situation involving a particular thing.
    • The company was caught in a maelstrom of legal battles.
  • "the maelstrom of [modern life/war/etc.]": Describing the overwhelming chaos of a broad concept or experience.
    • He sought peace away from the maelstrom of city life.
Variants and Related Words
  • Vortex (n): A whirling mass of fluid or air, like a whirlpool or whirlwind. (A "maelstrom" is a specific, powerful type of vortex, often involving water.)
  • Whirlpool (n): A rapidly rotating mass of water. ("Maelstrom" often implies a larger, more violent, or more legendary whirlpool.)
  • Charybdis (n): From Greek mythology, a sea monster and dangerous whirlpool, often used poetically or metaphorically similar to "maelstrom."
Synonyms
  • Whirlpool: A circular current of water.
  • Vortex: A whirling mass.
  • Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
  • Chaos: Complete disorder and confusion.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "A maelstrom of activity": A situation of frantic and chaotic busyness.
    • The newsroom was a maelstrom of activity as the story broke.
  • "To be sucked into the maelstrom": To be pulled into a chaotic and inescapable situation.
    • Once he invested in the scheme, he was sucked into a maelstrom of debt.
maelstrom

A ship struggles against a maelstrom in the stormy sea.

Noun
  1. a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)

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