Keeled

The past tense and past participle of the verb "keel," meaning to overturn, capsize, or tilt over on one side, especially a ship. Figuratively, it can also refer to a feeling of being overwhelmed, collapsing, or succumbing to something, such as exhaustion or strong emotions. It can describe a dramatic shift in balance, both literally and metaphorically. The term is heavily nautical in origin, but has expanded to encompass broader senses of imbalance or collapse. This concept is often associated with a loss of stability, whether physical or emotional, and suggests a sudden, often irreversible, change in state. It can also relate to the process of construction with an element of a building (often a ship) taking on a horizontal angle.

Keeled meaning with examples

• The storm was relentless, and finally, the small sailboat keeled over, its mast disappearing beneath the waves. The crew scrambled to inflate the life raft, fearing for their safety as the ship vanished in the waves, succumbing to the fury of the ocean. This was a truly terrifying incident, with the strength of the wind proving too great for the vessel.
• Exhaustion finally keeled her. After working three consecutive shifts, she collapsed onto the couch, unable to even reach for a glass of water. Sleep was the only thing that offered any sense of comfort, as her body gave in, finally surrendering after fighting the tiredness for days. She desperately needed rest.
• His fragile confidence keeled after the devastating rejection letter arrived. The crushing disappointment caused a cascade of negative self-doubt. He needed time to reflect and recover, or he would never work up the courage to try again. He began to wonder if this career was right for him.
• The entire project keeled under the weight of mismanagement. The lack of organization brought it to a halt, with delays and cost overruns mounting. The team's morale crumbled, with no clear direction or leadership, the endeavour began to unravel and eventually was abandoned.
• During the test, the model aircraft keeled to the left during takeoff. This abrupt tilting of the aircraft signaled an imbalance in the wing design, which was adjusted before the next test flight. The scientists made the necessary adjustments, hoping to resolve the problem.