noun

turmoil

turmoil, confusion, disorder, unrest

The country was in political turmoil.

The country was in political turmoil.

She was in a state of emotional turmoil.

She was in a state of emotional turmoil.

((in turmoil)) in a state of great disturbance or confusion The country was in political turmoil.

((emotional turmoil)) a state of great confusion in one's mind She was in a state of emotional turmoil.

Synonyms: chaos, disorder, confusion, upheaval; Antonyms: peace, calm, order

Its origin is uncertain, but it's possibly linked to 'turn' and 'moil' (to churn or work hard).

Picture a 'turning' oil spill ('tur-moil'), which would cause great confusion and disorder.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.