cacophony
UK: kəˈkɒfəni | US: kəˈkɑːfəni
n. A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
n. (Figuratively) A situation or state marked by chaos or dissonance.
cacophony = caco<bad> + phony<sound>
- caco<bad>: From Greek kakos (κακός), meaning "bad" or "evil."
- phony<sound>: From Greek phōnē (φωνή), meaning "voice" or "sound."
Etymology Origin:
The word cacophony originates from Greek, combining kakos (bad) and phōnē (sound). It entered English in the mid-17th century, retaining its literal meaning of "bad sound." Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe any jarring or chaotic situation. The contrast between caco- (negative) and -phony (sound) vividly captures the essence of dissonance.
The cacophony of car horns during rush hour was unbearable.
The orchestra’s rehearsal sounded like a cacophony before the conductor arrived.
Political debates often devolve into a cacophony of shouting.
The forest was filled with the cacophony of birds at dawn.
The cacophony of construction work disrupted the entire neighborhood.