turbulent
Meaning
characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.
(of air or water) moving unsteadily or violently.
Structure
Usage
the country experienced a turbulent period of political upheaval.
the plane flew through a patch of turbulent air, causing it to shake.
she had a turbulent relationship with her business partner.
Etymology
the word turbulent originates from the latin adjective turbulentus, meaning 'full of commotion or disorder'. this derives from the base turbare 'to disturb', which itself comes from turba 'a crowd, tumult, or disturbance'. the semantic core has always revolved around agitation and chaotic motion. over time, the meaning extended from describing literal physical commotion, such as stormy water or air, to metaphorical disturbances in social, political, or emotional states, retaining the sense of being 'full of disruptive activity'.
Analysis
turb (from latin turbare, meaning 'to disturb, agitate', from turba 'crowd, tumult'); ulent (a latin adjectival suffix meaning 'full of, characterized by').