Words / C2

MAYLSTR-om/ˈmeɪlstrɒm/

A maelstrom is a violent whirlpool, and by metaphor a swirl of events or feeling you can hardly steer in: a maelstrom of rumours. Chaos is everyday; turmoil is close. Use the metaphor when motion and confusion mix, not for a quiet mess on a desk (that might be a welter). In speech, chaos or a storm of… is enough; maelstrom is dramatic and slightly literary. One per essay is plenty.

Meaning

A situation of confused movement and violent emotion, like a whirlpool.

Examples

• “She was caught in a maelstrom of rumours.”
• “She stepped out of the press maelstrom into a side street.”
• “The market fell into a maelstrom of panic selling.”

Good to know

Literal whirlpool; usually a metaphor for violent confusion. Everyday: chaos / turmoil. Literary/news.

Near in meaning

turmoil

New