turbulence

/ˈtɜːbjələns/

chaotic or violent disturbance

The flight experienced severe turbulence over the Atlantic.

The plane encountered violent air disturbances during the flight.

formal

A state of violent or disturbed movement of air or water.

The storm caused turbulence in the ocean, making sailing dangerous.

The storm created chaotic water movements, making sailing risky.

Often used in meteorology and aviation contexts.

formal

A state of confusion, disorder, or instability in a situation or system.

The political turbulence in the country led to widespread protests.

The political instability caused chaos and public demonstrations.

Used metaphorically to describe social or organizational disorder.

Collocations

air turbulencedisturbed air movement, especially in aviationeconomic turbulenceinstability in financial markets or economy

a period of instability or chaos

Turbulence can refer to physical disturbances (like in air or water) or metaphorical ones (like in politics or emotions).

From Old French 'turbulence,' from Latin 'turbulentia,' meaning 'a whirling or disturbance,' from 'turbulentus,' meaning 'turbulent.'

Often used in both literal (physical disturbances) and metaphorical (social or emotional disturbances) contexts.

turbul

related to whirling or disturbance

root

-ence

state or condition

suffix

English Dictionary