Reeling - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Reeling means to stagger or sway unsteadily, often due to shock, dizziness, or a physical blow. It can also describe feeling overwhelmed or disoriented by strong emotions or events.
Definition:
Moving unsteadily or feeling dizzy, often due to shock or disorientation.
Synonyms:
staggering, swaying, tottering, whirling
Part of Speech:
verb, adjective
Antonyms:
steady, stable
Common Collocations:
reeling from shock, reeling in pain, reeling with dizziness
Derivatives:
reeled, reels
Usage Tips:
Use "reeling" to describe physical unsteadiness or emotional overwhelm after a sudden event.
Common Phrases:
reeling from the news, reeling in disbelief, reeling like a drunk
Etymology:
From Old English *hrēol*, meaning "a reel" (for winding thread), later extended to unsteady motion.
Examples:
- 1. She was still reeling from the unexpected news.
- 2. The boxer was reeling after the powerful punch.
- 3. He walked away, reeling from the emotional confrontation.
- 4. The boat was reeling in the stormy waves.