Unrest
/ʌnˈrɛst/
Definitions
A state of anxiety, dissatisfaction, or agitation; a lack of peace or tranquility.
/ʌnˈrɛst/
A state of agitation or disturbance; lack of peace.
The economic downturn triggered social unrest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're feeling really, really restless, like you can't sit still or something just isn't right. That feeling of being unsettled is unrest. It’s like when the kids have a lot of energy after being inside on a rainy day and they just start running around and can’t get to sleep.
👶 For kids: When people are angry or upset and there is fighting or protesting, that's unrest.
More Examples
The public's growing unrest over government corruption was evident.
She felt a sense of inner unrest before the big exam.
How It's Used
"The political unrest in the country led to widespread protests."
"Social unrest often stems from economic inequality."
"The protagonist felt a deep sense of inner unrest."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
civil unrest
Public disorder, often involving violence, caused by disagreement with a government or social order.
"The government feared widespread civil unrest following the economic collapse."
From Middle English unrest, from Old English un- (negative prefix) + rest (as in 'peace').
The term has been used since the late 14th century to describe a lack of rest or peace, gradually becoming associated with societal and political turmoil.
Memory tip
Think of 'un' (not) and 'rest'. Unrest is the *opposite* of rest.
Word Origin
"not (un-) + rest"