turmoil /ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/

Origin

From Middle French tremouille (disturbance), possibly related to Old French tremouille meaning "mill hopper"

Meanings

1. A state of great confusion, disturbance, or uncertainty

   • There was political turmoil following the president's resignation.

2. Intense agitation, commotion or disorder

   • The financial markets were in turmoil after the crash.

3. A state of emotional distress or agitation

   • Her mind was in turmoil as she tried to make the difficult decision.

Example Sentences

• The country fell into turmoil after the military coup.
• His personal life was in turmoil during the divorce proceedings.
• The company was thrown into turmoil when the CEO suddenly resigned.

Related Words

Forms

• No different forms (noun only)

Synonyms

• upheaval
• chaos
• disorder
• commotion
• disturbance
• unrest
• confusion
• agitation

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: "tur" (turn) + "moil" (like boil) = when things are turning and boiling, there's turmoil
2. Think of a washing machine in its spin cycle - clothes tumbling and spinning represent the chaos and confusion of turmoil
3. Associate with "turbulent" - both words start with "tur" and relate to disturbance

Usage Notes

Often used with prepositions "in" or "into":

• "in turmoil"
• "thrown into turmoil"
• "plunged into turmoil"