reeling

American  

[ree-ling] / ˈri lɪŋ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of reeling

reel ² ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

A two-day defeat in Perth by eight wickets and another by the same margin at the pink-ball clash in Brisbane left them reeling and in the firing line at home.

From Barron's

It was devastatingly effective; the so-called resistance was left reeling.

From Salon

AT&T is planning to relocate its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to the nearby suburb of Plano, a move that would deal another powerful blow to the city’s reeling central business district.

From The Wall Street Journal

This moment, it was clear, was ushering in a new era of uncertainly for Venezuela, a nation reeling from a decade of economic, political and social unrest.

From Los Angeles Times

A small Nebraska town is reeling from the exit of a meatpacking giant, which was the area’s largest employer.

From The Wall Street Journal