turmoil

[tur-moil]

noun

1. a state of great commotion, confusion, or disturbance; tumult; agitation; disquiet.

   mental turmoil caused by difficult decisions.

   Synonyms: uproar, disorder, turbulence
   Antonyms: quiet, order

2. Obsolete.,  hard labor; toil.

turmoil

/ ˈtɜːmɔɪl /

noun

1. violent or confused movement; agitation; tumult

verb

1. archaic,  to make or become turbulent

Word History and Origins

Origin of turmoil¹

First recorded in 1520–30; originally as verb: “to agitate”; etymology uncertain; perhaps tur(n) + moil

Word History and Origins

Origin of turmoil¹

C16: perhaps from _turn + _moil

Synonym Study

See agitation.

Example Sentences

Lecornu's shock resignation on Monday left France in renewed political turmoil, 18 months before the end of Macron's second term in office.

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Mrs Derler told the programme her first reaction on hearing the news was one of "emotional turmoil".

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Just as the run up to the 1979 general election was overshadowed by economic turmoil and decline, so it will be in 2029, claimed the veteran Tory MP.

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More than nine out of 10 respondents said conflicts such as those in the Middle East and Ukraine, or the political turmoil in the United States, did not put them off travelling in general.

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Many sneered at the comments from the Brighton owner, but with each passing week that bold assessment is looking more realistic with Rangers in turmoil and Celtic yet to hit top gear.

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Related Words

• anxiety 
• confusion 
• disturbance 
• riot 
• strife 
• trouble 
• tumult 
• turbulence 
• unrest 
• violence