tumult

[too-muhlt, tyoo-]

noun

1. violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar.

   The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech.

   Synonyms: turbulence, disorder

2. a general outbreak, riot, uprising, or other disorder.

   The tumult moved toward the embassy.

   Synonyms: mutiny, revolution, revolt

3. highly distressing agitation of mind or feeling; turbulent mental or emotional disturbance.

   His placid facade failed to conceal the tumult of his mind.

   Synonyms: perturbation, excitement

tumult

/ ˈtjuːmʌlt /

noun

1. a loud confused noise, as of a crowd; commotion

2. violent agitation or disturbance

3. great emotional or mental agitation

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumult¹

1375–1425; late Middle English tumult ( e ) < Latin tumultus an uproar, akin to tumēre to swell

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumult¹

C15: from Latin tumultus , from tumēre to swell up

Synonym Study

See ado.

Example Sentences

It’s more a poignant, reflective look at how this country survived the tumult of the ’60s and ’70s by rebooting itself every few years, then running full-speed ahead into something new.”

From Salon

The UK's position as a comparatively stable island in a sea of trade tumult, should also yield dividends.

From BBC

She joined X, then Twitter, at a time of tumult with advertisers quitting the site and Musk having overseen the firing of a huge number of staff.

From BBC

But she said the tumult appears to be part of the government’s plan.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the tumult, Wilson kept on recording and performing, sometimes showing glimpses of his former self, yet always doomed to having his every song, his every melody compared to his earlier work.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitation 
• commotion 
• convulsion 
• disturbance 
• excitement 
• ferment 
• fracas 
• hassle 
• maelstrom 
• outcry 
• pandemonium 
• quarrel 
• riot 
• strife 
• turbulence 
• turmoil 
• unrest 
• upheaval