Maelstrom
/ˈmeɪlstrəm/
nounC2
Definition
A maelstrom is a very strong, spinning whirlpool in the sea or river that can pull things down into the water. It is also used to describe a situation that is very confusing, chaotic (disorganized), or full of strong feelings like anger or fear.
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See It in Action
A very strong, spinning whirlpool in water
- •The ship was caught in a dangerous maelstrom near the rocky coast.
- •Fishermen tell stories about the giant maelstrom that can swallow boats.
- •The maelstrom pulled debris and seaweed into its center.
A situation full of confusion, chaos, or strong emotions
- •After the announcement, the office was in a maelstrom of panic and questions.
- •His mind was a maelstrom of fear and uncertainty during the storm.
- •The country was in a political maelstrom after the election.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "maelstrom" like "storm" (A1 word), but instead of just wind and rain, it is a spinning water whirlpool that pulls things inside strongly.
- ✓Picture a big, swirling circle of water in the ocean, spinning fast and dangerous like a giant washing machine.
- ✓It feels scary and powerful, like when you are in a place full of noise and confusion and you don’t know where to go.
- ✓Sounds like "MAIL-strom" → imagine a mailman caught in a strong spinning storm of letters flying everywhere.
- ✓In stories, sailors fear the maelstrom because it can pull ships under the water.
- ✓NOT like "calm" (quiet and peaceful), a maelstrom is wild and chaotic.
- ✓NOT like "whirlpool" (smaller water circle), a maelstrom is much larger and stronger.
- ✓NOT like "confusion" alone, a maelstrom includes strong emotions or danger, not just being mixed up.
Try Other Words
- •Whirlpool: spinning water in a small circle (Use when the water movement is smaller and less dangerous)
- •Chaos: complete disorder or confusion (Use when talking about situations, but without the water meaning)
- •Turmoil: great confusion or trouble (Use for emotional or social confusion and strong feelings)
- •Vortex: a spinning mass of fluid or air (Use for scientific or technical meaning of spinning movement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "mael-" (from Dutch "malen" meaning to grind or whirl) + "strom" (German for stream or current)
- •Etymology: From Dutch and German words meaning a grinding or swirling stream of water
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe dangerous swirling waters, especially in the sea
- •Modern usage: Used both for natural whirlpools and metaphorically for chaotic or emotional situations
- •Key insight: The word connects strong spinning water with strong emotional or social confusion
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when your life felt like a maelstrom? What caused that feeling?
•How does the idea of a maelstrom help us understand both nature and human emotions?
Fill in the blanks
1.The boat was pulled into the maelstrom because the water ___ in a strong, spinning way.
2.When the company faced sudden problems, it was in a maelstrom of ___ and confusion.
3.Unlike a small whirlpool, a maelstrom is much ___ and more dangerous.
4.People often use maelstrom to describe a situation full of strong ___ like fear or anger.
5.The maelstrom ___ everything near it, making it hard for ships to escape.
6.After the news, the town was caught in a maelstrom of ___ and rumors.
7.A calm sea is the opposite of a ___, which is wild and powerful.