verb
reel
To stagger or feel off balance from dizziness or shock.
He reels after the unexpected blow to his shoulder.
Etymology
The dance-name and staggering verb belong with reeling or turning movement. Their deeper connection with the winding-spool word is uncertain.
More examples
- The news left the whole family reeling.
- She reeled backward and caught the railing.
- His mind was still reeling from the discovery.
Forms
reel · reels · reeled · reeling
Similar words
- stagger
- More directly describes unsteady movement rather than mental shock.
- sway
- Sway describes side-to-side movement without necessarily losing balance.