1. To move in a spiral shape: This is the most common meaning, and it describes a movement that follows a helical path, like a spring or a staircase. For example:
* "The tornado spiraled towards the city."
* "The dancers spiraled across the stage."
2. To increase rapidly in a way that is difficult to control: This usage implies a rapid and uncontrolled escalation, often with negative consequences. For example:
* "The economy spiraled downwards after the war."
* "His anger spiraled out of control."
3. To become increasingly complex or convoluted: This meaning suggests a gradual increase in intricacy and complexity, making something difficult to understand or manage. For example:
* "The plot of the novel spiraled into a confusing web of events."
* "The discussion spiraled into a heated debate."
4. To descend rapidly or uncontrollably: This meaning is similar to the second one but focuses on a downward trajectory. For example:
* "The airplane spiraled towards the ground after losing engine power."
* "His mental health spiraled after the accident."
5. To wind or coil something into a spiral shape: This is a more technical usage, referring to the act of physically shaping something into a spiral. For example:
* "The carpenter spiraled the rope around the pole."
* "The machine spiraled the wire into a coil."
Overall, the verb "spiral" captures a sense of movement, often with an upward or downward trajectory, and can be used to describe both physical and metaphorical processes.