First Known Use: 1538
Dictionary
turbulent
adjective tur·bu·lent \-lənt\
: moving in an irregular or violent way
: full of confusion, violence, or disorder : not stable or steady
Full 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
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Origin of TURBULENT
Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid
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
- Antonyms
- nonviolent, peaceable, peaceful
TURBULENTLY Defined for Kids
turbulent
adjective tur·bu·lent \ˈtər-byə-lənt\
Definition of TURBULENT for Kids
: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance <turbulent protests> <turbulent weather>
Word Root of TURBULENT
The Latin word turba, meaning “disorder,” gives us the root turb. Words from the Latin turba have something to do with disorder. To disturb is to cause disorder to something or to someone's feelings. To perturb, or trouble, is to cause disorder to someone's mind. Anything turbulent is in a state of violence or disorder.
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