whipsawed; whipsawing; whipsaws
1
: to saw with a whipsaw
2
: to beset or victimize in two opposite ways at once, by a two-phase operation, or by the collusive action of two opponents
wage earners were whipsawed by inflation and high taxes
Did you know?
A whipsaw is a type of hand-powered saw worked by two people, one of whom stands on or above the log being sawed and the other below it, usually in a pit. The tool dates back to the 15th century, but it was not until the 19th century that anyone thought to use the saw's name figuratively to describe situations in which someone or something is doubly "cut," or hurt. Today, the word is commonly used when discussing financial crises or losses as well as ideological changes (as in government policy) that might "cut."
Examples of whipsaw in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
In recent months, the whipsaw of tariffs has challenged Bay Area business owners who rely on stable costs and international trade.
—Katie Lauer, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Markets have whipsawed as the White House introduces a raft of tariffs on countries around the world, raising concerns about slowing economic growth and creating uncertainty for consumers and businesses.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whipsaw
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Noun
The whipsaw turns have left markets, governments and consumers alike confused and worried about what’s next.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
In recent months, the whipsaw of tariffs has challenged Bay Area business owners who rely on stable costs and international trade.
—Katie Lauer, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
The stock market has whipsawed from the hefty import taxes and the erraticism in their application.
—Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Markets have whipsawed as the White House introduces a raft of tariffs on countries around the world, raising concerns about slowing economic growth and creating uncertainty for consumers and businesses.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whipsaw
Cite this Entry
“Whipsaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whipsaw. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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