Maelstrom (noun)

1. A powerful whirlpool in the ocean, caused by the meeting of conflicting currents.
2. Any powerful and chaotic situation, such as a political or social crisis.

Origin:

The word maelstrom comes from the dutch word malen (to grind) and strom (stream), which roughly means "grinding stream." it was first used to describe a powerful whirlpool in the ocean, but has since been extended to describe any powerful and chaotic situation.

Examples:

1. The ship was caught in a maelstrom and capsized.
2. The city was in a maelstrom of violence and crime.
3. The stock market was a maelstrom of panic and confusion.
4. The maelstrom of the whirlpool was so powerful that it was impossible to escape.
5. The maelstrom of emotions was overwhelming.