to spiral
Third Person
spirals
Present Participle
spiraling
Past Tense
spiraled
Past Participle
spiraled
1
to move or extend in a continuous and widening circular pattern
- The smoke has spiraled upward from the chimney into the night sky.
- The hawk spiraled high above, scanning the ground for prey.
- The water spout was spiraling violently during the storm.
- A tornado can spiral with incredible force, causing destruction in its path.
- The staircase in the old tower spiraled upward, leading to a breathtaking view.
2
to induce or create a spiral shape or trajectory in movement
transitive
- The tornado's powerful winds began to spiral debris into the air, creating a dangerous whirlwind.
- The artist carefully manipulated the clay on the pottery wheel to spiral it into an elegant vase.
- The artist skillfully spiraled the ribbon around the maypole.
- Using specialized equipment, the sculptor carefully spiraled the wire into a intricate three-dimensional design.
- The pilot expertly spiraled the smoke trail from the airplane, leaving a mesmerizing pattern in the sky during the airshow.
Synonyms:
3
to increase in a rapid and uncontrollable way
- The company's expenses began to spiral after the unexpected economic downturn.
- Following the initial outbreak, the pandemic began to spiral, overwhelming healthcare systems across the globe.
- Political unrest in the region started to spiral, with protests and demonstrations spreading rapidly.
- The inflation rate began to spiral, affecting the cost of living for many households.
- After the initial financial setback, the project costs started to spiral, exceeding the budget projections.