whipsawed
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈwɪpsɔːd/
KK: /ˈwɪpsɔd/
adjective
Definition
Experiencing a significant loss in value, especially in financial markets, due to trying to recover from a previous loss by making a risky investment decision.
Example
After the sudden drop in stock prices, many investors felt whipsawed by the market's unpredictable movements.
Conversation
I felt really whipsawed by the stock market today.
Oh no! Did you make some bad trades?
Yeah, I thought I could recover, but it just got worse.
That's tough; it can really mess with your head.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
squeezed
trapped
caught
Antonyms
benefited
gained
profited
verb
Definition
To be affected by two opposing forces or influences at the same time, often resulting in confusion or difficulty.
Example
The stock market whipsawed investors, causing them to lose money in a matter of hours.
Tense Forms
Past: whipsawed
Past Participle: whipsawed
Conversation
I felt like I was completely whipsawed by all the last-minute changes at work.
That sounds really frustrating! What happened?
They kept switching priorities on us, and I couldn't keep up.
Root Explanation
The word 'whipsawed' originates from the combination of 'whip' (from Old English 'hwippa', meaning to strike or lash) and 'sawed' (the past tense of 'saw', from Old English 'sagu', meaning to cut). The term describes a situation where someone is caught in a conflict or dilemma, being struck or affected from two opposing sides, much like a piece of wood being cut by a saw from both directions.
Memory Tip
Imagine being 'struck' ('whip') from two sides while being 'cut' ('sawed') — this helps you remember that 'whipsawed' means being caught in a difficult situation from opposing forces.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.