Spiraling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌀

Add to dictionary

spiraling

[ˈspaɪrəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a downward motion

Moving in a spiral or helical pattern; winding or coiling around a central point.

Synonyms

coiling, turning, twisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spiraling	Used to describe something moving or developing in a continuous, circular motion, often downward or out of control. Commonly used in both physical and metaphorical senses. The paper plane went spiraling down after hitting the tree. The company's debt is spiraling out of control.
coiling	Refers to something being wound into loops or rings, often tightly. Commonly used to describe the physical action or appearance of something like ropes, snakes, or springs. The snake was coiling around the branch. She spent the afternoon coiling the garden hose.

Word

Description / Examples

spiraling

Used to describe something moving or developing in a continuous, circular motion, often downward or out of control. Commonly used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

The paper plane went spiraling down after hitting the tree.
The company's debt is spiraling out of control.

coiling

Refers to something being wound into loops or rings, often tightly. Commonly used to describe the physical action or appearance of something like ropes, snakes, or springs.

The snake was coiling around the branch.
She spent the afternoon coiling the garden hose.

Examples of usage

The bird was spiraling downwards towards its nest.
The tornado was spiraling out of control, causing destruction in its path.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a negative way

Losing control and rapidly getting worse.

Synonyms

deteriorating, escalating, worsening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spiraling	This word is often used to describe a situation or emotion that is rapidly getting worse in a circular or uncontrollable way. Jane's anxiety began spiraling out of control after she lost her job. The company's debt is spiraling, and they might go bankrupt soon.
escalating	This word is used to describe a situation that is intensifying or increasing, often by becoming more serious or severe. It can have neutral or negative connotations depending on the context. The conflict between the two nations is escalating and could lead to war. Prices are escalating due to high demand and low supply.
deteriorating	This word is typically used to describe a gradual decline in condition or quality over time. It can refer to physical objects, health, or various situations. The old building is deteriorating due to lack of maintenance. His health is deteriorating because he refuses to see a doctor.
worsening	This word is used to describe something that is progressively getting worse, often in terms of health, conditions, or situations. The weather is worsening, and a storm is expected to hit tonight. The patient's condition is worsening despite treatment.

Examples of usage

The situation was spiraling out of control.
His addiction was spiraling, affecting all aspects of his life.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, spiraling paths can represent the motion of planets and galaxies, showing how they revolve around larger masses.
In mathematics, the Fibonacci spiral is a famous example where numbers grow in a sequence that forms a spiral shape in nature.

Art and Architecture

Many artists use spiraling forms to create dynamic movement in their sculptures and paintings, suggesting energy and flow.
The spiral is a common design in architecture, seen in staircases and prominent buildings, like the Guggenheim Museum.

Psychology

In mental health discussions, the term 'spiraling' can refer to a person experiencing escalating negative thoughts or emotions.
The visual of a spiral can also represent growth or progression, often used in therapeutic settings as a metaphor for change.

Nature

Spiraling shapes are common in nature, such as in shells, galaxies, and even whirlpools in water.
Plants like sunflower heads show spiraling patterns, maximizing space and sunlight for growth.

Origin of 'spiraling'

Main points about word origin

The word 'spiral' comes from the Latin 'spira', meaning 'to coil' or 'to twist'.
It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe shapes that curve around a central point.

The word 'spiraling' is derived from the verb 'spiral', which comes from the Old French word 'espiral' and the Medieval Latin 'spiralis'. The concept of spirals has been present in various cultures throughout history, symbolizing growth, evolution, and the cyclical nature of life.