turmoil

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/ˈtɜːrˌmɔɪl/
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A situation of great confusion and disorder.

Examples

  • The city fell into turmoil after the power outage.
  • The storm turmoil the coastline.
  • The turmoil in the stock exchange lasted weeks.
  • News reports highlighted the turmoil on the streets.
  • She could not sleep because of the turmoil inside her.

Similar words

financial crisis
instability
revolution
upset
anguish
disrupt
unrest
shake up
protest
upheaval

Meanings

State of great confusion

noun
everyday
neutral
A condition in which there is widespread disorder, uncertainty, and agitation.

Examples

  • The city fell into turmoil after the power outage.
  • Turmoil spread through the office when the merger was announced.
  • She tried to calm the turmoil in the kitchen.
  • News reports highlighted the turmoil on the streets.
  • Even the pets sensed the turmoil in the house.

Similar words

Emotional distress

noun
psychology
neutral
Intense inner conflict or anxiety caused by difficult decisions or strong feelings.

Examples

  • He felt a deep turmoil after the breakup.
  • The decision caused turmoil in her mind.
  • She could not sleep because of the turmoil inside her.
  • His turmoil was evident during the interview.
  • The novel explores the turmoil of its protagonist.

Similar words

Economic instability

noun
business
neutral
A period of severe disruption in the financial or market conditions of a country or sector.

Examples

  • The country faced turmoil after the currency collapsed.
  • Investors warned of turmoil in the housing market.
  • The turmoil in the stock exchange lasted weeks.
  • Consumers felt the turmoil in rising prices.
  • Policy makers debated how to end the turmoil.

Similar words

To agitate

verb
historical
archaic
To stir up disorder or disturbance.

Examples

  • The agitators turmoil the crowd with loud chants.
  • She turmoil the quiet room by shouting.
  • They turmoil the market with rumors.
  • The storm turmoil the coastline.
  • His speech turmoil the assembly, causing panic.

Similar words

Political unrest

noun
politics
neutral
A situation of disorder and conflict in a country’s political life.

Examples

  • The nation was in turmoil after the contested election.
  • Protesters fueled turmoil across the capital.
  • International observers warned of turmoil in the region.
  • The government declared emergency amid turmoil.
  • Citizens demanded an end to the turmoil.

Similar words

Etymology

First recorded in the early 16th century; originally a verb meaning “to agitate”. Its origin is uncertain, perhaps a combination of tur(n) and moil.

FAQ

What does turmoil mean?

It is a situation of great confusion and disorder.

What does turmoil mean in politics?

It describes political unrest, a state of disorder and conflict in a country’s political life.

How is turmoil used as a verb?

In its archaic sense it means to stir up disorder or disturbance.

What does turmoil refer to in psychology?

It denotes emotional distress, intense inner conflict or anxiety caused by difficult decisions or strong feelings.

Where does the word turmoil come from?

It was first recorded in the early 16th century, originally a verb meaning “to agitate”, with an uncertain origin perhaps from a blend of “tur(n)” and “moil”.

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