reel
Translation
to stagger, to sway, to wind in
Examples
He reeled from the force of the blow.
He reeled from the force of the blow.
She reeled in the fishing line quickly.
She reeled in the fishing line quickly.
My head was reeling from the lack of sleep.
My head was reeling from the lack of sleep.
Grammar Patterns
((from sth.)) to stagger from sth. He reeled from the shock.
((sth.)) in to wind sth. in She reeled in the kite.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stagger, sway, whirl, spin
Etymology
From Old English *hrēol*, a device for winding thread. The sense of 'staggering' developed from the idea of spinning or whirling like a reel.
Memory Tips
Imagine a fishing reel spinning out of control, making you feel dizzy and 'reel'. Or, you 'reel in' a fish with a fishing 'reel'.