maelstrom

noun

A violent or turbulent situation.

noun

A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.

noun

A celebrated whirlpool or violent current in the Arctic ocean, near the western coast of Norway, between the islands Moskenäsö and Mosken, formerly supposed to suck in and destroy everything that approached it at any time, but now known not to be dangerous except under certain conditions.

noun

Hence Any resistless movement; any influence or passion which makes victims of all who come within its power: as, the maelstrom of fashion or of speculation; the maelstrom of dissipation or of crime.

noun

A celebrated whirlpool on the coast of Norway.

noun

An uncontrollable agitated or confusedly disordered state or situation.

noun

A large and violent whirlpool.

noun

Any violent or turbulent situation.

noun

a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)