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spin
The physical sensation of spinning involves a loss of equilibrium or a feeling of centrifugal force. It suggests a state of high energy or disorientation, often used to describe dizziness or mechanical precision.
In a sociopolitical context, the term describes a deliberate manipulation of perception. It carries a negative connotation of dishonesty or superficiality, where the truth is not changed but the angle of presentation is shifted to favor a specific narrative.
Countable when referring to a short trip in a car or a specific rotation of a ball. Uncountable when referring to the general physical property of rotation.
Meanings
To rotate something rapidly around a central axis.
The dancer began to spin the top on the table.
To rotate rapidly on a central axis.
The earth continues to spin on its axis.
To twist fibers into yarn or thread.
She spent the afternoon spinning wool into yarn.
Examples
The child tried to spin the coin on the counter.
The ice skater began to spin quickly in place.
She learned how to spin raw silk into thread.
The politician tried to spin the scandal as a misunderstanding.
The pitcher put a lot of spin on the ball.
We took the motorcycle for a quick spin around the block.
Phrasal Verbs
spin out
to prolong something or to lose control of a vehicle and slide sideways
The lawyer tried to spin out the trial to delay the verdict.\n\nThe car spun out on the icy road and hit a guardrail.
spin around
to turn quickly in a circle
She spun around when she heard someone call her name.