reeling

[ree-ling]

adjective

1. staggering or swaying; unable to walk straight because of a blow, intoxication, etc..

   It seemed as if a reeling, drunken giant had set the route for the race—it was so full of twists and turns.

2. in a state of mental or emotional shock; overwhelmed.

   As a reeling nation mourns its dead, investigators are trying to determine whether anyone was aware of the homicidal plan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reeling¹

reel ² ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Though she believes it is a good sign that authorities have arrested a suspect, she said that many were still reeling from the sudden loss of their homes.

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Meaning cash-neutral for teams like the Dodgers — and the New York teams, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs — still reeling in big bucks amid the collapse of regional sports networks outside large markets?

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The hostel's rapid turnover of new migrants left the children reeling, and Nour haunted.

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Now, the scientific establishment is reeling from the loss of a great scientist.

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I’m just reeling in my head right now,” he said.

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