Corkscrewed

To move in a twisting or spiraling motion, resembling the action of a corkscrew. This can apply to physical movements, such as an object's trajectory, or more abstract concepts like a situation or a person's mental state, indicating a progressively worsening or chaotic state. The term often implies a loss of control, direction, or stability, leading to an unpredictable or erratic outcome. The twisting motion can be literal or metaphorical, representing a downward spiral or a convoluted and confusing process. It suggests a gradual and often irreversible decline or departure from a stable state.

Corkscrewed meaning with examples

• The airplane, caught in the storm, corkscrewed downwards, its descent a terrifying ballet of uncontrolled spinning. Passengers screamed as the pilot wrestled with the controls, desperately trying to regain stability and prevent the inevitable crash. The sudden loss of altitude made them nauseous, and the impending crash, certain.
• His argument corkscrewed into a bizarre tangent about conspiracy theories, losing all connection to the original topic. The audience, initially engaged, grew confused as the speaker's points became increasingly disjointed and irrational. Attempts to steer him back failed; his thought process had taken a one-way trip of misguidance and spiraled downhill.
• The economy corkscrewed into a recession after the stock market crashed, wiping out fortunes overnight. Businesses failed and unemployment rose sharply. The downward spiral affected every facet of life as people lost their savings and livelihoods, resulting in a desperate search for a way to recover.
• Her mental health, once stable, corkscrewed downwards after the tragic event. She began isolating herself and experiencing panic attacks, and, finding no way out, grew deeply withdrawn and anxious. Each day brought further loss, and the spiral of her distress became more desperate and chaotic.