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 145-year-old rugby club has been left reeling after a "devastating" fire swept through its clubhouse, destroying precious trophies and memorabilia.

From BBC

A few weeks ago, Katie Porter’s campaign for California governor was reeling.

From Los Angeles Times

Sharing a picture of them on social media, she wrote: "A conversation with him left you reeling from irreverent & imaginative quip-lash."

From BBC

She said she was still reeling at the "massive" reaction to her Facebook post where people had sorted a Santa within hours.

From BBC

When she sat down in the Commons after delivering her first Budget in October 2024, her decisions had already left many in small businesses reeling from the changes.

From BBC