Turbulence
/ˈtɜːrbjələns/
Definitions
2 meaningsUnstable and irregular movement of a fluid or the atmosphere.
/ˈtɜːrbjələns/
Irregularity in the flow of a fluid (air or water).
The passengers were told to fasten their seatbelts due to expected turbulence.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a plane, and suddenly it starts bouncing around! That's turbulence, like the air is all mixed up and moving around in an unsteady way. Or, think of choppy water on a lake.
👶 For kids: When the air or water is all wiggly and bumpy.
More Examples
Scientists are working to understand the causes of atmospheric turbulence.
The boat struggled to navigate through the turbulence of the storm.
How It's Used
"The plane experienced severe turbulence during the flight."
"Turbulence can make for a bumpy flight."
"Understanding turbulence is critical to designing efficient aircraft wings."
A state of unrest, confusion, or disorder; a disturbance.
/ˈtɜːrbjələns/
A state of confusion or disorder.
The economic turbulence caused many businesses to fail.
💡 Simply: Imagine a situation where things are all mixed up and not working smoothly, like a country with problems or the stock market going up and down crazily. That's turbulence!
👶 For kids: When things are not calm, but a little crazy and messy.
More Examples
The political turbulence led to widespread protests.
The artist's life was filled with personal turbulence.
How It's Used
"The country is experiencing a period of political turbulence."
"The stock market has been marked by significant turbulence recently."
"The social turbulence was a result of rising inequality."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
ride out the turbulence
To survive a difficult period or crisis.
"The company is hoping to ride out the turbulence caused by the economic downturn."
From Late Latin *turbulentia*, from *turbulentus* (turbulent), from *turbo* (to disturb). Related to 'turbid' which describes the state of being unclear due to particles being stirred up.
Used in nautical contexts from the 17th century to describe rough water. Extended to broader contexts of disorder in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of the churning of water in a washing machine or the bumpy ride of an airplane.
Word Origin
"to disturb, whirl"