unrest
Meaning
a state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, and agitation in a group of people, often involving public protests or disorder.
a feeling of anxiety, agitation, or unease within a person.
Structure
Usage
the new tax policies sparked widespread social unrest.
a feeling of deep unrest kept her awake at night.
the period was marked by political unrest and frequent strikes.
Etymology
The word "unrest" is a native English formation, built from two Old English elements. The prefix "un-", a common Germanic negation marker, combines with the noun "rest," which derives from Proto-Germanic rastō, rastijō, conveying the idea of a stopping place or repose. The compound literally means "the absence of peace or repose." Over time, its application broadened from a personal lack of calm to describe a state of public disturbance and social instability, logically extending the core concept of peace being negated.
Analysis
"un-" is a prefix of Old English origin, meaning "not," used to form negatives. "rest" is a noun of Old English origin (from 'ræst', 'rest'), meaning peace, repose, or freedom from disturbance.