maelstrom
nounA violent or turbulent situation.
A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.
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.
Hence Any resistless movement; any influence or passion which makes victims of all who come within its power.
A celebrated whirlpool on the coast of Norway.
