tumult

UK: /ˈtjuːmʌlt/

US: /ˈtumʌlt, -məlt, ˈtju-/

US: (to̅o̅′məlt, tyo̅o̅′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

tu•mult /ˈtumʌlt, -məlt, ˈtyu-/   n. 

1. noisy commotion on the part of a mob;
   uproar:
   [countable* usually singular] a loud tumult in the auditorium before the concert.
2. a condition of widespread disorder, as during a disturbance:
   [uncountable] a state of tumult following the war.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

tu•mult  (to̅o̅′məlt, tyo̅o̅′-), n. 

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.

• Latin tumultus an uproar, akin to tumēre to swell
• late Middle English tumult(e) 1375–1425

Synonyms

• 1. disorder, turbulence. See ado. 
• 2. revolt, revolution, mutiny.
• 3. excitement, perturbation.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

tumult / ˈtjuːmʌlt/ noun

1. a loud confused noise, as of a crowd; commotion
2. violent agitation or disturbance
3. great emotional or mental agitation

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin tumultus, from tumēre to swell up