turmoil

American  

[tur-moil] / ˈtɜr mɔɪl /

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.

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turmoil British  

/ ˈtɜːmɔɪl /

noun

1. violent or confused movement; agitation; tumult

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verb

1. archaic to make or become turbulent

Related Words

See agitation.

Etymology

Origin of turmoil

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

Example Sentences

The number was much higher 10 years ago, slashed by the global oil price crash that sent Venezuela's own economy into turmoil.

From Barron's

But emerging markets investors are looking past the near-term turmoil, hoping instead that the changes will boost the investment outlook for Latin America.

From Barron's

Market participants have tended to shrug off geopolitical turmoil, such as disruptions in the Middle East in the past few years that included escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

From MarketWatch

While the turmoil in Venezuela could impact energy prices, they reckon the equities market is more than capable of shrugging off oil price volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal

Millions of ordinary Americans pulled money from their stock and bond funds during the turmoil last April.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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