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tumult - 5 dictionary results

tu⋅mult

  [too-muhlt, tyoo-]
Use tumult in a Sentence
–noun
1. violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar: The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech.
2. a general outbreak, riot, uprising, or other disorder: The tumult moved toward the embassy.
3. highly distressing agitation of mind or feeling; turbulent mental or emotional disturbance: His placid facade failed to conceal the tumult of his mind.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME tumult(e) < L tumultus an uproar, akin to tumēre to swell

Synonyms:
1. disorder, turbulence. See ado. 2. revolt, revolution, mutiny. 3. excitement, perturbation.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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tu·mult   (tōō'mŭlt', tyōō'-)   
n.  
  1. The din and commotion of a great crowd.
    1. A disorderly commotion or disturbance.
    2. A tempestuous uprising; a riot.
  3. Agitation of the mind or emotions: "I spend much time in a tumult of anger and disbelief" (Scott Turow).

[Middle English tumulte, from Latin tumultus.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Tumult

Tu"mult\, n. [L. tumultus; probably akin to Skr. tumula noise, noisy, and perhaps to L. tumere to swell, E. tumid: cf. F. tumulte.]

1. The commotion or agitation of a multitude, usually accompanied with great noise, uproar, and confusion of voices; hurly-burly; noisy confusion.

What meaneth the noise of this tumult ? --1 Sam. iv. 14.

Till in loud tumult all the Greeks arose. --Pope.

2. Violent commotion or agitation, with confusion of sounds; as, the tumult of the elements. --Addison.

3. Irregular or confused motion; agitation; high excitement; as, the tumult of the spirits or passions.

Syn: Uproar; ferment; disturbance; turbulence; disorder; confusion; noise; bluster; hubbub; bustle; stir; brawl; riot.

Tumult

Tu"mult\, v. i. To make a tumult; to be in great commotion. [Obs.]

Importuning and tumulting even to the fear of a revolt. --Milton.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : tumult
Spanish: tumulto, alboroto,
German: das Getöse,
Japanese: 騒ぎ
More Translations »

tumult 
c.1412, from O.Fr. tumulte (12c.), from L. tumultus "commotion, disturbance," related to tumere "to be excited, swell" (see thigh). Tumultuous is recorded from c.1548.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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