Charybdis

[ kuh-rib-dis ]

noun

1. Modern_name Ga·lo·fa·lo [gah-, law, -fah-law],. 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. Compare Scylla ( def 2 ).

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

Derived Forms

• Chaˈrybdian, adjective

Other Words From

• Cha·rybdi·an 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

Meanwhile many ordinary Egyptians will find themselves back at square one, caught between Scylla and Charybdis.

From The Daily Beast

Yes; and rather easy in avoiding Scylla to fall into Charybdis.

From Project Gutenberg

He was in the Charybdis of passion, and must perforce circle and circle ever nearer round the fatal centre.

From Project Gutenberg

But no elaborate argument was needed to rouse a people convinced at last that they were in the vortex of Charybdis.

From Project Gutenberg

But escaping Scylla she fell into Charybdis; her uncanny practices came to the ears of the authorities, and she was apprehended.

From Project Gutenberg

The curiosity of this monarch had been long excited by the accounts he had heard of the bottom of the gulf of Charybdis.

From Project Gutenberg