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Tailspin

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The rapid, uncontrollable descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral.

    "The loss of the third engine threw the plane into a tailspin."

  2. 2
    rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral wordnet
  3. 3
    A severe mental or emotional collapse; emotional breakdown. figuratively

    "Just hours after leaving the institution, she suffered another tailspin."

  4. 4
    loss of emotional control often resulting in emotional collapse wordnet
  5. 5
    Any sharp, sustained, often uncontrollable descent or decline. figuratively

    "The present stock tailspin proves bankruptcy is imminent."

Verb
  1. 1
    Of an aircraft: to go into a rapid, uncontrollable descent in a steep spiral.
  2. 2
    To go into a sharp, sustained, often uncontrollable descent or decline. figuratively

Etymology

Etymology 1

From tail + spin.

Etymology 2

From tail + spin.

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