World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariestourbillon
Pronunciation / Transliteration: toor-bi-yɔ̃
"Il a été aspiré par le tourbillon des événements."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river.
"The small boat was sucked directly into the terrifying maelstrom." - 2
A state or situation of confused movement or violent turmoil.
"She found herself caught in the political maelstrom of the capital."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Dutch word 'maalstroom', combining 'malen' (to grind) and 'stroom' (stream). It entered the English language in the early 19th century, notably popularized by Edgar Allan Poe's short story 'A Descent into the Maelström', shifting from a specific geographical whirlpool off the coast of Norway to a general metaphor for chaotic turmoil.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Maelstrom"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Maelstrom" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
tourbillon
Transliteration: toor-bi-yɔ̃
"Il a été aspiré par le tourbillon des événements."
Mahlstrom
Transliteration: maːlˌstʁoːm
"Das Schiff geriet in den gefährlichen Mahlstrom."
voragine
Transliteration: voˈraː.dʒi.ne
"La barca fu trascinata nella voragine del mare."
torbellino
Transliteration: tor.βeˈʎi.no
"Se sentía perdido en medio de aquel torbellino político."
redemoinho
Transliteration: ʁe.de.mʊˈi.ɲu
"O navio desapareceu no redemoinho."
भंवर
Transliteration: bhanvar
"वह राजनीति के भंवर में फंस गया था।"
漩涡
Transliteration: xuánwō
"他被卷入了这场政治漩涡之中。"
소용돌이
Transliteration: soyongdori
"그는 거대한 정치적 소용돌이에 휘말렸다."
大渦巻
Transliteration: oomarumaki
"船は海の大渦巻に飲み込まれた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all French termsA visitor or attendee whose arrival was not anticipated or announced beforehand.
Causing strong emotional or ideological reactions because it relates to political issues, power dynamics, or government policies.
Deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss; the state of being saved.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Maelstrom"
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