whirlpool

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a powerful circular current of water

   The small boat was pulled toward the whirlpool.

2. 2
   noun

   a rapidly changing situation filled with confusion or strong emotion

   She was caught in a whirlpool of conflicting demands.

3. 3
   verb

   to move in a rapid circular current

   Leaves whirlpooled around the drain.

From earlier whirlpoole, whirlpole, apparently from Middle English *whirlpole, potentially coalescing Old English hwierfel (“whirlpool”) and Old English hwierfepōl (“whirlpool”). Equivalent to whirl + pool. Cognate with Scots quhirlepole, whirle-pule (“whirlpool”). Compare also English whirlpit. Eclipsed non-native Middle English gurges (“whirlpool”), borrowed from Latin gurges (“whirlpool”).

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