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

The perception of turmoil bleeds into reality, and suddenly, the kids won’t stop barking and the laundry is screaming.

Read more on Salon

U.K. consumers felt a little better about their finances this month as the Bank of England lowered borrowing costs, though sentiment remains weak amid wider economic turmoil.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Despite the turmoil, Chung’s commitment to the U.S. has remained unchanged, according to people familiar with his thinking.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

France has been ensnared in political turmoil since Macron called snap elections in 2024 that produced the most fragmented National Assembly in the history of France’s modern Fifth Republic.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Some areas of healthcare reflect this turmoil, although in other areas, investors are less concerned.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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