Nosedove: meaning, definitions and examples

✈️
Add to dictionary

nosedove

 

[ ˈnoʊsˌdoʊv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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

descended, dove, plunged.

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

Translations of the word "nosedove" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mergulhador

🇮🇳 सिर के बल गिरना

🇩🇪 Kopfsprung

🇮🇩 terjun kepala

🇺🇦 пірнання головою

🇵🇱 nurkowanie głową

🇯🇵 頭から飛び込む

🇫🇷 plongeon tête la première

🇪🇸 zambullida de cabeza

🇹🇷 baş üstü dalış

🇰🇷 머리 먼저 뛰어들기

🇸🇦 غوص رأسًا

🇨🇿 hlavou dolů

🇸🇰 skok hlavou

🇨🇳 头朝下跳水

🇸🇮 potopitev iz glave

🇮🇸 höfuð niður dýfa

🇰🇿 басымен секіру

🇬🇪 თავით ჩაყვინთვის

🇦🇿 baş üstə dalma

🇲🇽 zambullida de cabeza

Etymology

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.