commotion
UK: kəˈməʊʃ(ə)n | US: kəˈmoʊʃ(ə)n
n. a state of confused and noisy disturbance
n. a sudden, short period of noisy, chaotic activity
The word "commotion" originates from Latin commotio (a violent movement), derived from com- (intensive prefix meaning "together") + motus (past participle of movere, "to move"). The term entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core idea of collective agitation or upheaval. The morpheme mot (move) appears in related words like "motion" and "emotion," while com- emphasizes the collective nature of the disturbance. Over time, "commotion" evolved to describe both physical turbulence (e.g., a crowd’s uproar) and metaphorical unrest (e.g., social commotion).
The announcement caused a commotion in the crowded room.
A sudden commotion outside drew everyone’s attention.
The protest escalated into a violent commotion.
She tried to ignore the commotion in the hallway.
The children’s laughter created a joyful commotion at the party.