Other forms: turmoils
Turmoil is a state of wild confusion and disturbance. Political turmoil, in turmoil, emotional turmoil.
It describes a period rather than an event, and it applies to markets, countries and minds alike — the region was in turmoil for a decade, her mind was in turmoil. In turmoil is the usual construction. Note that the word first appears about 1526 with no certain source, possibly from an Old French word for a mill hopper, which would make the image one of constant grinding motion.
1nounturmoilA state of wild confusion and disturbance.
“The country was in turmoil after the president suddenly resigned.”
turmoil is a state of disturbance.
Also accepted in games: chaos, upheaval
The word appears about 1526 with no certain origin, perhaps from Old French tremouille, a mill hopper. If so the image is of something shaking constantly as grain pours through.
Old French
tremouille — the hopper of a mill
English, today
turmoil
unknown. First appears c. 1526. Perhaps from Old French tremouille (“the hopper of a mill”).
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA