commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən 

1

: a condition of civil unrest or insurrection

The commotion was finally brought to an end and peace was restored.

2

: steady or recurrent motion

the commotion of the surf

3

: mental excitement or confusion

… startled … into no ordinary state of commotion.

—Arnold Bennett

4

a

: an agitated disturbance : to-do

the commotion caused by the president's visit

b

: noisy confusion : agitation

The commotion backstage had brought the play to a stop.

Synonyms

• disturbance
• stir
• fuss
• turmoil
• hurry
• noise
• clatter
• storm
• fun

Examples of commotion in a Sentence

There was a sudden commotion when the actress entered the restaurant.

the commotion created when the nation's top rock band arrived in town

Recent Examples on the Web

The commotion was a touching proposal from a couple in the crowd. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

Several times each year, Bond’s neighbor hosts large gatherings that bring a lot of noise and commotion to an otherwise peaceful neighborhood. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

The crowd and players erupted in laughter as the dog darted away, tail wagging and completely unfazed by the commotion. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

Shannon moans right about the time Jenn walks out to see what the commotion is all about. —Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French commocion, from Latin commotion-, commotio, from commovēre — see commove

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for commotion

• demotion
• devotion
• emotion
• laotian
• promotion
• locomotion
• lotion
• notion
• ocean
• potion

Kids Definition

commotion

noun

com·​mo·​tion kə-ˈmō-shən 

1

: irregular or violent motion

2

: noisy excitement and confusion : tumult