Turmoil
/ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/
Definitions
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty caused by problems or difficulties.
/ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
The city was in turmoil after the riots.
💡 Simply: Imagine your life is a big messy room, and everything's all jumbled up and upside down! Turmoil is like that—when there's a lot of trouble, confusion, and things aren't going smoothly.
👶 For kids: When things are super messy and confusing, like when you can't find your toys or when your friends are fighting.
More Examples
The company faced financial turmoil and was forced to downsize.
She was going through emotional turmoil after her parents' divorce.
The country's political system was in turmoil due to a scandal.
How It's Used
"The country was in a state of political turmoil after the election."
"The stock market experienced turmoil due to economic uncertainty."
"She was overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil of the breakup."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in turmoil
Experiencing a state of confusion, chaos, or disturbance.
"The economy is currently in turmoil."
From Middle French *tremouille* (a mill or place for grinding), perhaps ultimately from Latin *tremulus* (trembling), referring to the agitated motion often associated with a mill.
The word has been used since the early 16th century, initially referring to a disturbance or agitation, particularly in society or politics.
Memory tip
Think of the tumultuous waves of a stormy sea; the word sounds like it, and is often chaotic.
Word Origin
"confusion, disorder"