Definition

Noun: 1. A state of commotion and noise and confusion: A loud, confused, and often chaotic situation involving many people. 2. The act of making a noisy disturbance: The action of creating a loud and disruptive noise. 3. Violent agitation: A state of great emotional or public excitement and unrest.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a noisy, chaotic public situation:

  • The announcement of the election results caused a tumult in the city square.
  • A tumult erupted in the stadium when the winning goal was scored.

• Describing a loud, disruptive noise or action:

  • The tumult of the construction work made it impossible to concentrate.
  • He was charged with creating a public tumult.

• Describing a state of emotional or mental agitation:

  • Her mind was in a tumult after receiving the shocking news.
  • The political scandal left the nation in a state of tumult.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in tumult": To be in a state of uproar, confusion, or agitation.
  • The financial markets were in tumult following the crisis.
• "to raise a tumult": To cause or instigate a noisy disturbance.
  • The controversial speaker raised a tumult among the crowd.

Variants and Related Words

• Tumultuous (adj): Characterized by tumult; loud, noisy, and chaotic.
  • The protest was a tumultuous event.
• Tumultuously (adv): In a tumultuous manner.
  • The crowd reacted tumultuously.

Synonyms

• Uproar: A situation of loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people.
• Commotion: A state of confused and noisy disturbance.
• Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
• Pandemonium: Wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar.
• Bedlam: A scene of uproar and confusion.

Antonyms

• Peace: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
• Calm: The absence of violent or confrontational activity; stillness.
• Order: The arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method.
• Serenity: The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A tumult of emotions/thoughts: A confused, conflicting, and agitated mixture of feelings or ideas.
  • She felt a tumult of emotions—joy, fear, and excitement—all at once.

Noun

1. the act of making a noisy disturbance
2. violent agitation
3. a state of commotion and noise and confusion