noun

upheaval

upheaval, disruption, turmoil

The country is in a state of political upheaval.

The country is in a state of political upheaval.

Moving to a new city was a major upheaval.

Moving to a new city was a major upheaval.

a period of upheaval. The war caused a period of social upheaval.

Synonyms: turmoil, disruption, disturbance, revolution

From 'up-' + 'heave' (to lift with effort). It suggests something being violently lifted up from below.

Imagine the ground 'heaving up' during an earthquake. This creates a massive, violent change or 'upheaval'.

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