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

For now, many are returning home amid the turmoil, but in the long run, if instability deepens, more are expected to flee Nepal again in search of work, swelling India's already burdened informal labour market.

From BBC

A Conservative spokesman said: "The Welsh Labour Party is in complete turmoil, locally in Caerphilly, and right across Wales."

From BBC

Some of the friends who helped McGee on the night of his overdose grew distant for a time, too dismayed over the turmoil he was causing himself and those around him.

From Los Angeles Times

For many, the scenes in Kathmandu were reminiscent of the turmoil that gripped Bangladesh last year, and Sri Lanka in 2022.

From BBC

Asked if he’s still a fan of Ye’s work — if he can separate the art from the artist after witnessing so much turmoil up close — Ballesteros pauses before choosing his words carefully.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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