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.

Related Words

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