whirl

¹whirl

verb \ˈhwər(-ə)l, ˈwər(-ə)l\

Definition of WHIRL

intransitive verb

1

: to move in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed

2

a : to turn on or around an axis like a wheel : rotate b : to turn abruptly around or aside : wheel <whirled around in surprise>

3

: to pass, move, or go quickly <whirled down the hallway>

4

: to become giddy or dizzy : reel <my head is whirling>

transitive verb

1

: to drive, impel, or convey with or as if with a rotary motion

2

a : to cause to turn usually rapidly on or around an axis : rotate b : to cause to turn abruptly around or aside

3

obsolete : to throw or hurl violently with a revolving motion

— whirl·er \ˈhwər-lər, ˈwər-\ noun

Examples of WHIRL

1. The cars were whirling around the track.
2. Clothes were whirling in the washing machine.
3. The water whirled around the drain.
4. Her dance partner whirled her around.

Origin of WHIRL

Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hvirfla to whirl; akin to Old High German wirbil whirlwind, Old English hweorfan to turn — more at wharf

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to WHIRL

Synonyms: agitate, churn, swirl, wash, stir

Antonyms: crawl, creep, poke

Related Words: beat, paddle, whip, whisk; reel, shake, wheel

Near Antonyms: dally, dawdle, dillydally, drag, hang (around or out), lag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry; amble, lumber, plod, saunter, shuffle, stroll; decelerate, slow (down or up)

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