Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state of disturbance, agitation, or turmoil, often within a society or group: "Unrest" refers to a condition where there is a lack of peace, stability, or quiet, typically characterized by public dissatisfaction, protest, or disorder.
   • A feeling of anxiety, unease, or disquiet within an individual: "Unrest" can also describe a personal state of mental or emotional disturbance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The new tax law caused widespread social unrest. (The new tax law resulted in broad public disturbance and protest.)
  • There is growing unrest among the workers over pay and conditions. (There is increasing agitation among the workers regarding their wages and working conditions.)
  • A feeling of unrest kept her awake all night. (A feeling of anxiety prevented her from sleeping.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in a state of unrest": to be in a condition of agitation or disturbance.
  • The region has been in a state of unrest for months.
• "civil unrest": public disorder or protest, often involving conflict between groups or against authorities.
  • The city declared a curfew to quell the civil unrest.
• "labor unrest": agitation or strikes by workers, typically related to employment issues.
  • The factory closure sparked significant labor unrest.

Variants and Related Words

• Unrestful (adj): not characterized by peace or rest; disturbed.
  • He spent an unrestful night worrying.
• Restless (adj): unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom. (Note: This is a related concept describing a personal state, while "unrest" often describes a collective or situational state.)

Synonyms

• Turmoil: a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
• Agitation: a state of anxiety or nervous excitement; public unrest.
• Discontent: dissatisfaction with one's circumstances.
• Ferment: a state of agitation or turbulent change.
• Upheaval: a violent or sudden change or disruption.

Antonyms

• Peace: freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
• Calm: the absence of violent or confrontational activity; tranquility.
• Stability: the state of being stable, not likely to change or fail.
• Tranquility: the quality or state of being tranquil; calm.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "seeds of unrest": factors or actions that are likely to cause future disturbance or agitation.
  • The unfair policies planted the seeds of unrest in the population.
• "to fuel unrest": to cause agitation or disturbance to increase.
  • The harsh police response only fueled the unrest.

Noun

1. a feeling of restless agitation
2. a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
   • the political ferment produced new leadership
   • social unrest