turbulent
tur·bu·lent
adj \-lənt\Definition of TURBULENT
1
: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance <a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels — Anne Brönte>
2
a : characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous <a turbulent marriage> b : exhibiting physical turbulence <turbulent air>
— tur·bu·lent·ly adverb
See Examples of TURBULENT
- Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.
- The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.
Origin of TURBULENT
Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid
First Known Use: 1538
Related to TURBULENT
Synonyms: bang-bang, blood-and-guts, convulsive, cyclonic, explosive, ferocious, fierce, furious, hammer-and-tongs, hot, knock-down, drag-out (or knock-down-and-drag-out), paroxysmal, rabid, rough, stormy, tempestuous, tumultuous, violent, volcanic
Related Words: barbarous, brutal, savage, vicious; antagonistic, hostile; aggressive, assertive, bellicose, belligerent, combative, contentious, gladiatorial, pugnacious, quarrelsome, truculent; combustible, volatile; agitated, frantic, frenzied, mad; cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), destructive, ruinous
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