Charybdis

[kuh-rib-dis]

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.

Charybdis

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• Charybdian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Charybdis¹

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

Example Sentences

Those who have navigated between the Scylla and Charybdis of right and left for too long want to sail to calmer waters.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Dominion is trying to remove some of the uncertainty with its new ship, Charybdis, which is named for a mythical Greek sea monster.

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