tumult
UK: ˈtjuːmʌlt | US: ˈtuːmʌlt
n. a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people
n. a state of confusion, agitation, or disturbance
n. violent or chaotic movement (e.g., of waves or crowds)
The word "tumult" traces back to Latin tumultus, derived from tumere (to swell) and the suffix -ultus, indicating a resulting state or action. The imagery of swelling (like a crowd or waves) evolved metaphorically to describe noisy commotion or disorder. The term entered Middle English via Old French tumulte, preserving its core sense of uproar.
The protest escalated into a tumult of shouting and shoving.
She could barely hear over the tumult of the storm.
The sudden announcement caused a tumult in the stock market.
His mind was in tumult after the shocking news.
The city streets were filled with tumult during the festival.