welter
UK: ˈwɛltə | US: ˈwɛltər
n. a confused mass or jumble; a state of turmoil or disorder
vi. to roll, writhe, or toss about; to be in a state of agitation
The word welter originated in Middle English, derived from the verb welten ("to roll"), which traces back to Old English wieltan. Over time, it evolved to describe both the physical act of rolling/tossing and the metaphorical sense of chaos or confusion. The suffix -er reinforces the idea of continuous or repeated motion, aligning with its modern meanings of disorder or agitation.
The battlefield was a welter of blood and broken weapons.
She weltered in bed, unable to sleep due to anxiety.
The storm left the harbor in a welter of overturned boats.
His mind weltered with conflicting emotions.
The documents were piled in a welter on the desk.