tailspin

• Nom désignant une perte de contrôle ou un état de panique et de confusion menant souvent à un effondrement ; également, une descente rapide en spirale d'un avion.

A noun referring to a state of panic, confusion, or loss of control, often leading to a collapse; also describes a rapid, spiraling descent of an aircraft.

1. Emotional collapseB2informalamerican

   A state of extreme emotional distress or loss of control, often leading to a breakdown.

   Effondrement émotionnel

   • After losing his job, he went into a tailspin of depression.
   • The bad news sent her into a complete tailspin.
   • He's been in a tailspin ever since the breakup.

   Synonymesbreakdowncollapsecrisismeltdownpanic

2. Aircraft descentC1formal

   A rapid, uncontrolled descent of an aircraft in a steep, spiraling motion.

   Descente en vrille

   • The pilot managed to recover the plane from a dangerous tailspin.
   • The aircraft entered a tailspin after a mechanical failure.
   • Training exercises include how to escape a tailspin.

   Synonymesdivenosediveplungespinspiral