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

Our global society is juggling the looming threat of another pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and political turmoil.

From Salon

He has since travelled across the country, documenting insurgent groups and capturing how their resilience offers hope amid turmoil.

From BBC

The comments come after a period of turmoil on global financial markets as investors reacted to the new import taxes coming into effect and the escalating trade war between the US and China.

From BBC

Altogether, the turmoil is making Huntington Park residents weary.

From Los Angeles Times

His comments followed a period of turmoil on global stock markets as investors reacted to trade tariffs coming into force and the escalating trade war between the US and China.

From BBC

Related Words

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