Looking up...
chaos
/ˈkeɪ.ɒs/
complete disorder and confusion
The city descended into chaos after the power outage.
The city became completely disordered and confused when the power went out.
general
A state of complete disorder and confusion where normal rules do not apply
The protest turned into chaos as police clashed with demonstrators.
The protest became completely disordered when police fought with the people protesting.
Her mind was in chaos after the shocking news.
She felt completely confused and disordered after hearing the shocking news.
Often used to describe situations where normal order has broken down.
Collocations
plunge into chaosto suddenly become completely disordereddescend into chaosto gradually become completely disorderedbring order out of chaosto create order from a disordered situation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Chaos can describe both physical disorder (e.g., a chaotic room) and abstract disorder (e.g., chaotic thoughts).
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While useful for dramatic situations, avoid using 'chaos' for minor disorganization to maintain its impact.
Word Origin
From Greek 'khaos' meaning 'void' or 'empty space', originally referring to the primordial void in Greek mythology.
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (physical disorder) and metaphorically (mental or social disorder). Often used in news reports about conflicts or disasters.
Word Breakdown
chaos
complete disorder
rootEnglish Dictionary