A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Characterized by chaotic activity and emotional or mental agitation.
Origin uncertain, first recorded in 1526. Possibly from French 'tremouille' meaning a mill hopper, suggesting the churning, agitated motion of grain being processed, metaphorically extended to describe mental or social agitation.
Turmoil is one of those words that sounds like what it describes - the 'tur' and 'moil' syllables seem to tumble and churn against each other, mimicking the chaotic energy of the concept itself. It's particularly effective because it captures both internal emotional states and external social conditions.
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