Meaning of the word maelstrom in English

What does maelstrom mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

maelstrom

US /ˈmeɪl.strəm/
UK /ˈmeɪl.strɒm/

Noun

a situation in which there is great confusion, violence, and destruction:

Example:
The country is gradually being sucked into the maelstrom of civil war.