Reeling

The state of being thrown off balance, feeling dizzy or disoriented, often due to a strong emotion, shock, or physical impact. It can also describe the act of winding a line or thread onto a reel, or a style of Irish dance. Figuratively, it suggests a sense of being overwhelmed, struggling to cope, or experiencing a cascade of emotions. It implies a loss of control, either physically or mentally, and a difficulty in regaining composure.

Reeling meaning with examples

• Upon hearing the news of her promotion, she felt a moment of pure joy, reeling slightly from the unexpectedness of it all. The impact of the car accident left him reeling, struggling to maintain consciousness. After the roller coaster ride, I was reeling, disoriented by the sudden twists and turns. Despite the loss, she remained collected, her composure unwavering, refusing to let the sorrow send her reeling.
• The sudden loss of her husband had her reeling for weeks, unable to make sound decisions or find the right words. He was reeling from the news, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a look of disbelief. The boxer, after being hit with a knockout punch, went reeling across the ring before finally hitting the canvas. "The price tag gave me a reeling sensation when I felt how much everything cost."
• He spent hours reeling in the fishing line, slowly bringing the massive fish closer to the boat. The old-fashioned spinning wheel was used to wind yarn, the mechanism of the machine reeling up long and thick fibers. The traditional Irish dancers executed the fast-paced steps of a reel, their feet moving with incredible speed. The machine began to reel out the tape.
• After losing his job, he found himself reeling from the financial instability. Experiencing the loss, she was reeling from the grief. The constant pressure from his boss left him reeling from stress. The overwhelming task of planning the wedding made her reel.