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

He is of course, referring to Homer's epic poem that follows the travels of Odysseus and his crew, who faced perils such a the monster Scylla and giant whirlpool Charybdis.

From Salon

The Charybdis, which is being built in Brownsville, Texas, is about 70 percent complete, and Dominion expects to have it available for Orsted’s Revolution Wind project, near the Connecticut coast.

From New York Times

In Texas, Dominion is also currently building the Charybdis, the first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind-installation vessel and says it strongly supports the Act.

From Seattle Times

In Texas, Dominion Energy is building the first U.S.-based offshore wind installation vessel, the Charybdis.

From Seattle Times

A notable exception is “Scylla & Charybdis,” mythic sea monsters represented here by two carved chunks of alabaster, one milky and the other glassy.

From Washington Post