maelstrom
gb/mˈeɪlstɹəm/ us/mˈeɪlstɹəm/
C1
English
örvény, zűrzavar, vízörvény
NOUN
C1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is caught in (a/the) maelstrom; a maelstrom of [events/emotions]
After the leak, the company found itself in a maelstrom of criticism and legal threats.
A szivárgás után a vállalat a kritikák és jogi fenyegetések örvényében találta magát.
She tried to stay focused while the team argued around her in a maelstrom of blame and panic.
Megpróbált összpontosítani, miközben körülötte a csapat a vádaskodás és pánik örvényében veszekedett.
The mayor’s resignation triggered a maelstrom that reshaped local politics overnight.
Learner examples
The small mistake caused a maelstrom of problems.
Az apró hiba valóságos zűrzavart okozott.
He was caught in a maelstrom of rumors.
A pletykák örvényébe került.
Common mistake:
Often used metaphorically about events or emotions; it does not mean simply “a lot of activity” unless the sense of confusion or upheaval is clear.
Meaning
a state of chaotic turmoil
Collocations
a political maelstrom
|a media maelstrom
|a financial maelstrom
|a maelstrom of controversy
|a maelstrom of emotions
|a maelstrom of violence
|caught in a maelstrom
|thrown into a maelstrom
|sink into a maelstrom
|amid the maelstrom
Synonyms
turmoil (Strong disorder and disturbance; less vivid than maelstrom.)
|
upheaval (Emphasizes sudden major change, especially social or political.)
|
chaos (General lack of order; may be less intense or less image-rich.)
|
whirlwind (Suggests fast-moving activity; may be less negative than maelstrom.)
Antonyms
calm (A peaceful state without disturbance or confusion.)
|
order (A state of organization and control rather than disorder.)
|
stability (A steady condition without sudden upheaval.)
Themes
politics
|society
|conflict
|emotions
|news_media
Definition
a very confused and violent situation with many problems happening at once
A situation of violent confusion, disorder, or upheaval that is hard to control and seems to pull people or events into it.
NOUN
C2
2
Usage pattern:
(a/the) maelstrom (in/at) [place]; sucked into the maelstrom
The boat drifted too close to the maelstrom and the crew struggled to pull away.
A hajó túl közel sodródott az örvényhez, és a legénység nehezen tudott eltávolodni tőle.
From the cliff, we could see the maelstrom churning where the currents met.
A szikláról láttuk, ahogy ott kavarog az örvény, ahol a sodrások találkoztak.
Debris spun at the edge of the maelstrom before disappearing beneath the surface.
Learner examples
The ship avoided the maelstrom.
A hajó elkerülte az örvényt.
The water formed a strong maelstrom.
A vízben erős örvény alakult ki.
Common mistake:
In this literal sense, it refers to water that spins strongly; it is not the same as ordinary waves or a small eddy.
Meaning
a powerful swirling whirlpool
Collocations
a raging maelstrom
|a violent maelstrom
|an ocean maelstrom
|a sea maelstrom
|a maelstrom of water
|powerful currents
|swirling currents
|sucked into the maelstrom
|dragged into the maelstrom
|escape the maelstrom
Synonyms
whirlpool (The common everyday term for a circular current; less dramatic.)
|
vortex (A broader term for any swirling mass (water, air, etc.); more technical.)
|
eddy (Usually smaller and less dangerous than a maelstrom.)
Antonyms
stillness (The absence of movement in the water.)
|
calm water (Water without strong currents or swirling motion.)
Themes
nature
|water
|weather
Definition
a very strong whirlpool in the water
A powerful whirlpool or violently swirling mass of water, especially in the sea or a river.
Grammar
Dictionary form
maelstrom
IPA
GB/mˈeɪlstɹəm/
US/mˈeɪlstɹəm/
Syllables & stress
mael - strom (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mael)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: maelstrom
- Plural: maelstroms
Word family
Expressions
caught in the maelstrom
1/kˈɔt ˈɪn ðə mˈeɪlstɹəm/
idiom
unable to escape chaos
in the middle of a very chaotic situation
Examples
- Junior staff were caught in the maelstrom after the merger announcement.
- Her family got caught in the maelstrom of the investigation.
- Once the story broke, everyone connected to it was caught in the maelstrom.
Learner examples
- He was caught in the maelstrom of the scandal.
plunge into the maelstrom
1/plˈʌnd͡ʒ ˈɪntu ðə mˈeɪlstɹəm/
idiom
enter chaos suddenly
to go into a very chaotic situation quickly
Examples
- She plunged into the maelstrom of election season with little time to prepare.
- After the verdict, the city plunged into a maelstrom of protests.
- They plunged into the maelstrom of negotiations, hoping to avoid a strike.