upheaval
UK: ʌpˈhiːv(ə)l | US: ʌpˈhiːv(ə)l
n. a violent or sudden change or disruption, especially in politics or society
n. (geology) the upward displacement of rock strata due to tectonic forces
upheaval = up<upward> + heav<lift> + al<noun suffix>
- up (from Old English upp, meaning "upward")
- heav (from Old English hebban, meaning "to lift or raise")
- al (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process, from Latin -alis)
Etymology Origin:
The word upheaval originated in the early 19th century, combining "up" (direction) and "heave" (to lift forcefully). It initially described geological uplift but later expanded metaphorically to societal or political disruptions. The morphemes reflect a literal "lifting upward," which logically extends to abrupt changes in broader contexts.
The political upheaval led to widespread protests.
The earthquake caused a massive upheaval of the landscape.
Technological advancements often bring social upheaval.
The company faced upheaval after the sudden resignation of its CEO.
Historians study periods of upheaval to understand societal transformation.