Nosedove Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nosedove
[ˈnoʊsˌdoʊv ]
Definition
aircraft movement
Nosedove is the past tense of the verb 'nosedeive', which refers to a sudden, steep downward dive or plunge, typically made by an aircraft in distress or during a maneuver. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something sinking rapidly.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The plane nosedove toward the runway.
- The bird nosedove into the water to catch its prey.
- During the storm, the kite nosedove unexpectedly.
Translations
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Origin of 'nosedove'
The term 'nose dive' originated in the early 20th century, particularly within the aviation community. It combines the word 'nose', referring to the front part of an aircraft, with 'dive', which denotes a rapid descent. The phrase gained prominence as flying became more widespread and accidents were reported. Initially used to describe the alarming behavior of aircraft losing altitude at an alarming rate, it soon found its way into everyday language as a metaphor for situations where things go poorly or decline sharply. The adaptation of this term in popular culture can be traced through numerous references in literature and media, emphasizing its versatile use in denoting downward spirals or failures.