Charybdis

American  

[kuh-rib-dis] / kəˈrɪb dɪs /

noun

1. Modern Name Garofalo.  Modern Name Galofalo.  a whirlpool in the Strait of Messina off the NE coast of Sicily.

2. Classical Mythology. a daughter of Gaia and Poseidon, a monster mentioned in Homer and later identified with the whirlpool Charybdis.

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Charybdis British  

/ kəˈrɪbdɪs /

noun

1. a ship-devouring monster in classical mythology, identified with a whirlpool off the north coast of Sicily, lying opposite Scylla on the Italian coast Compare Scylla

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Other Word Forms

• Charybdian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Charybdis

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English Karibdous, Karybdys, from Latin Charybdis, from Greek Chárybdis; further origin uncertain

Example Sentences

He survived the sinking of Charybdis and went on to see action in Normandy and the Far East.

From BBC

He is of course, referring to Homer's epic poem that follows the travels of Odysseus and his crew, who faced perils such a the monster Scylla and giant whirlpool Charybdis.

From Salon

The Charybdis will be able to carry four to eight wind turbine components at once, depending on the size of the pieces.

From New York Times

In Texas, Dominion is also currently building the Charybdis, the first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind-installation vessel and says it strongly supports the Act.

From Seattle Times

In Texas, Dominion Energy is building the first U.S.-based offshore wind installation vessel, the Charybdis.

From Seattle Times