Reeling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originates from the Old English 'hrēol', meaning to roll or turn around, reflecting the motion of spinning.
• In Middle English, it became 'rele' or 'reling', which relates to the action of winding something in, such as a fishing line.

Psychology

• Experiencing feelings of reeling is often linked to strong emotional responses, such as shock or disbelief, which can disrupt our sense of normalcy.
• Studies show that when individuals face sudden news, their cognitive processing can feel disorganized, similar to a spinning sensation.

Literature

• Many authors use ‘reeling’ metaphorically to describe a character's emotional turmoil, creating vivid imagery of confusion or distress.
• In poetry, the sensation of reeling can be employed to capture moments of intense revelation or existential doubt, engaging readers' emotions.

Pop Culture

• The term often appears in songs and movies to describe emotional impact, helping audiences relate to characters experiencing shock or surprise.
• In sports, athletes may be described as 'reeling' after a sudden loss, representing a feeling of disorientation and need to regain composure.

Science

• The sensation of reeling can be understood through vestibular system studies, revealing how our inner ear affects balance and spatial orientation.
• Research indicates that reeling sensations can also manifest during motion sickness, caused by conflicting signals between the inner ear and visual input.

With rank #18,505, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18502 magneto
• 18503 determinable
• 18504 tagging
• 18505 reeling
• 18506 flurry
• 18507 discarding
• 18508 aberrant
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