chaos

[key-os]

noun

1. a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.

   Synonyms: tumult, turmoil, jumble, disarray
   Antonyms: calm, peace, order

2. any confused, disorderly mass.

   a chaos of meaningless phrases.

3. the infinity of space or formless matter supposed to have preceded the existence of the ordered universe.

4. (initial capital letter),  the personification of this in any of several ancient Greek myths.

5. Obsolete.,  a chasm or abyss.

chaos

/ ˈkeɪɒs, keɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. complete disorder; utter confusion

2. (usually capital) the disordered formless matter supposed to have existed before the ordered universe

3. an obsolete word for abyss

chaos

1. The behavior of systems that follow deterministic laws but appear random and unpredictable. Chaotic systems very are sensitive to initial conditions; small changes in those conditions can lead to quite different outcomes. One example of chaotic behavior is the flow of air in conditions of turbulence.

2. See more at fractal

chaos

1. A new branch of science that deals with systems whose evolution depends very sensitively upon the initial conditions. Turbulent flows of fluids (such as white water in a river) and the prediction of the weather are two areas where chaos theory has been applied with some success.

Other Word Forms

• chaotic adjective
• chaotically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin, Greek cháos; akin to chasm, yawn, gape

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaos¹

C15: from Latin, from Greek khaos; compare _chasm , yawn

Example Sentences

The White House’s late-night announcement of the program restrictions sparked days of chaos.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

France Inc. isn’t totally immune to chaos in the National Assembly.

Read more on Barron's

President Jerí said the protest had been infiltrated by criminals set on causing chaos and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the protester's death.

Read more on BBC

George W. Bush weighed invoking the law after Hurricane Katrina created chaos in New Orleans but ultimately declined over fears it would intensify the already bitter power struggle between the state and federal government.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of aiming to "create chaos and apply psychological pressure on the population through strikes on energy facilities and railways".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• anarchy 
• disarray 
• discord 
• disorder 
• lawlessness 
• pandemonium 
• tumult 
• turmoil