vortex

A fast-spinning mass of water or air that pulls things towards its centre.

• A vortex formed in the water.
• The leaves spun inside a small vortex of air.
• Two vortices appeared behind the boat.

Similar words: whirlpool, whirlwind

Common phrases: water vortex, air vortex, spinning vortex

A situation full of violent or confused activity centred on one place or thing.

• The square became a vortex of activity.
• She stood at the centre of a vortex of confusion.
• The capital was a vortex of violence during the war.

How to use it: vortex of something (The city became a vortex of political unrest.)

Similar words: maelstrom, whirlwind

Common phrases: vortex of violence, vortex of chaos, vortex of activity

Something that draws people or things into it and makes escape difficult.

• Debt became a vortex she could not escape.
• The family was drawn into a vortex of endless spending.
• He feared the vortex of addiction would swallow his future.

How to use it: a vortex of something (He was caught in a vortex of debt.)

Common phrases: vortex of debt, vortex of addiction, inescapable vortex