Turbulent
ˈtɜːrbjələnt
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm.
ˈtɜːrbjələnt
Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion.
The turbulent political climate made it difficult to make any long-term plans.
💡 Simply: Imagine a boat ride on a lake where suddenly a big storm appears. The water is choppy and the boat bounces all over the place. That's turbulent! Anything that's unstable and chaotic.
👶 For kids: When things are moving around a lot and not calm, like when the airplane bumps up and down in the sky, that's turbulent.
More Examples
The aircraft encountered severe turbulence during the flight.
Her personal life was a turbulent mix of joy and sadness.
The stock market experienced a turbulent period after the economic crisis.
How It's Used
"The country is experiencing a turbulent period with frequent protests and political instability."
"The passengers were advised to fasten their seatbelts due to the turbulent weather."
Moving or characterized by rapid, violent, or disordered movement; relating to turbulence.
ˈtɜːrbjələnt
Relating to or denoting air or water moving rapidly and violently.
The airplane experienced a lot of turbulent weather conditions.
💡 Simply: Imagine a river that's rushing and swirling all over the place, like a washing machine. It's not smooth; it's bumpy and active. That's turbulent!
👶 For kids: When air or water is moving around fast and not in a smooth way, it's turbulent. Think of bubbles or the wind on a very windy day.
More Examples
The turbulent river flowed quickly.
The pilots had a tough time landing in the turbulent weather.
The scientists studied the turbulent currents of the ocean.
How It's Used
"The turbulent air currents caused the plane to shake violently."
"The researchers studied the turbulent flow of water in the river."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *turbulentus* (“full of commotion, disordered”), from *turbo* (“a whirling, a crowd, a disturbance”).
The word has been used since the 17th century to describe unrest and disorder, initially related to political contexts, and later extending to physical phenomena.
Memory tip
Think of a churning whirlpool (turbo) – that's turbulent! Chaos and lack of calm.
Word Origin
"whirling, a crowd, a disturbance"