reeling

[ ree-ling ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reeling¹

reel ²( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

Educators are reeling at McMahon’s appointment, fearing that she will have a detrimental impact on students across the country.

From Salon

The attacks have added to the humanitarian crisis in a region reeling from a years-long civil war and four years of extreme drought exacerbated by climate change.

From BBC

The tandem accounted for three touchdowns in Sunday’s 28-22 victory at New England, reliably reeling in the pinpoint passes of Matthew Stafford.

From Los Angeles Times

A fragile calm hangs over the Dutch capital, still reeling from the unrest that erupted a week ago when Israeli football fans came under attack in the centre of Amsterdam.

From BBC

In an address from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, President Joe Biden urged Americans reeling from Donald Trump’s victory to stay strong and support the peaceful transfer of power in January.

From Salon