turbulent

[ tur-byuh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. being in a state of agitation or tumult; disturbed:

   turbulent feelings or emotions.

   Synonyms: disordered, tempestuous, violent, tumultuous, agitated

2. characterized by, or showing disturbance, disorder, etc.:

   the turbulent years.

3. given to acts of violence and aggression:

   the turbulent young soldiers.

turbulent

/ ˈtɜːbjʊlənt /

adjective

1. being in a state of turbulence
2. wild or insubordinate; unruly

Derived Forms

• ˈturbulently, adverb

Other Words From

• turbu·lent·ly adverb
• un·turbu·lent adjective
• un·turbu·lent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulent¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin turbulentus “restless,” from turb(a) “turmoil” + -ulentus -ulent

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbulent¹

C16: from Latin turbulentus , from turba confusion

Example Sentences

All this bodes for a busy and possibly turbulent next two years.

From BBC

After a turbulent week and the dramatic resignation of the man that leads it, the Church of England is trying to take stock at what is a precarious moment.

From BBC

The Welsh Rugby Union said transitions and exits from the game could be turbulent, and they were focused on working on how players were supported through them.

From BBC

But the merger process so far has been turbulent.

From BBC

The Associated Press called the race for Trump early Wednesday morning, ending one of the costliest and most turbulent campaign cycles in the nation’s history.

From Salon

Related Words

• bitter
• bumpy
• choppy
• fierce
• rough
• stormy
• swirling
• tempestuous
• unstable
• violent