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

The conference comes at the end of a turbulent year, during which the party has had three leaders.

From BBC

Roma fans are clearly fed up with the turbulent journey their club and its ownership have taken them on and wanted to make their feelings known.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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