TAILSPIN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does tailspin mean? 

• TAILSPIN (noun)
  The noun TAILSPIN has 2 senses:

1. loss of emotional control often resulting in emotional collapse

2. rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral

  Familiarity information: TAILSPIN used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TAILSPIN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Loss of emotional control often resulting in emotional collapse

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Hypernyms ("tailspin" is a kind of...):

agitation (a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

spin; tailspin

Hypernyms ("tailspin" is a kind of...):

acrobatics; aerobatics; stunt flying; stunting (the performance of stunts while in flight in an aircraft)