tailspin
/ˈteɪlˌspɪn/
noun
- A situation of uncontrolled downward spinning or falling, especially of an aircraft.
- A sudden gust of wind sent the small aircraft into a tailspin.
- The plane went into a tailspin after hitting turbulence.
- The pilot managed to recover from the tailspin just in time.
- A state of mental or emotional confusion, panic, or loss of control.
- The team's losing streak sent their morale into a tailspin.
- After losing his job, he went into a tailspin of anxiety and doubt.
- Her life seemed to be in a tailspin after the accident.
verb
- To fall or spin uncontrollably, either literally (as an aircraft) or figuratively (as emotions or situations).
- His confidence tailspun when he failed the exam.
- The stock market tailspun after the announcement.
- The helicopter tailspun toward the ground before the pilot regained control.