maelstrom

• Ein starker, meist kreisförmiger Strudel im Wasser, oft zwischen Felsen oder bei starken Strömungen; im übertragenen Sinn auch ein wirbelhaftes, chaotisches Geschehen.

A noun referring to a powerful circular current of water, typically caused by conflicting tides.

1. Powerful whirlpoolC1formal

   A large, powerful, and often dangerous circular current of water, typically caused by conflicting tides or currents.

   Strudel

   • The sailors struggled to steer the ship away from the maelstrom.
   • The maelstrom swallowed the small boat in seconds.
   • Legends speak of a giant maelstrom off the coast of Norway.

   Synonymeeddyswirlvortexwhirlpool

2. Chaotic situationC1formal

   A situation of confused, turbulent, or destructive activity or upheaval.

   Chaos

   • The country was caught in a maelstrom of political unrest.
   • He found himself in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.
   • The company was swept into a maelstrom of financial scandal.

   Synonymechaospandemoniumturbulenceturmoilupheavalwhirlwind

   Antonymecalmorderpeaceserenitytranquility