View synonyms for

reeling

[ ree-ling ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

staggering or swaying; unable to walk straight because of a blow, intoxication, etc.:
It seemed as if a reeling, drunken giant had set the route for the race—it was so full of twists and turns.
in a state of mental or emotional shock; overwhelmed:
As a reeling nation mourns its dead, investigators are trying to determine whether anyone was aware of the homicidal plan.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reeling¹

reel ²( def ) + -ing ²( def )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Both were reeling from their previous relationships; Joel had recently divorced his first wife, Elizabeth Weber.

From

The corporation was reeling from the revelations surrounding one of its biggest names.

From

Trump looked set for a routine victory when he led 12-6 but missed a red into the middle pocket and Murphy capitalised by reeling off four frames in a row.

From

For tech workers reeling from all the job losses, the industry feels far less stable.

From

As the sun set on 25 June, the country was reeling.

From

reel-fed reel man

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