turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt 

1

a

: exhibiting physical turbulence

turbulent air

b

: characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous

a turbulent marriage

2

: causing unrest, violence, or disturbance

a set of mischievous, turbulent rebels

—Anne Brönte

turbulently adverb

Did you know?

Some people lead turbulent lives, and some are constantly in the grip of turbulent emotions. The late 1960s are remembered as turbulent years of social revolution in America and Europe. Often the captain of an airplane will warn passengers to fasten their seatbelts because of upper-air turbulence, which can make for a bumpy ride. El Niño, a seasonal current of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, may create turbulence in the winds across the United States, affecting patterns of rainfall and temperature as well.

Synonyms

• bang-bang
• blood-and-guts
• convulsive
• cyclonic
• explosive
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• hammer-and-tongs
• hot
• knock-down, drag-out
• knock-down-and-drag-out
• paroxysmal
• rabid
• rough
• stormy
• tempestuous
• tumultuous
• violent
• volcanic

Examples of turbulent in a Sentence

Turbulent waters caused the boat to capsize.

The sixties were a turbulent period in American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Boise residents will endure a turbulent Wednesday afternoon and evening as severe storms capable of producing strong winds, lightning and hail are expected to move through the Treasure Valley. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2024

Who makes the Lego dynasty? Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the grandson of Ole, had previously served as Lego’s CEO from 1979 to 2004, when he was forced to stand down as the toymaker went through the most turbulent financial period in its history, nearing bankruptcy. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 2 Apr. 2024

Perhaps more than any other example, this shows how closely early fan culture, particularly among the Southern California teenagers who launched San Diego Comic-Con, dovetailed with broader social and cultural forces that drove a turbulent period in American history. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

And yet Few steered the Zags through turbulent waters to a familiar harbor on the second weekend of the NCAAs. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024

Hence the stereotype built around women who lived through those turbulent decades as blunt, gruff and wearing black or colorful prints and visors to keep the sun off their face. —Soo Youn, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2024

For years, the Kremlin strongman has been cast as a leader able to guarantee order in this vast, turbulent country. —Matthew Chance, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024

United Airlines has had a turbulent month, marked by at least 11 safety incidents in the U.S. —William Gavin, Quartz, 23 Mar. 2024

Yet despite her professional success, the year has proven turbulent in Nicole’s personal life. —Charis McGowan, Variety, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin turbulentus, from turba confusion, crowd — more at turbid

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing turbulent

• turbulent flow

Kids Definition

turbulent

adjective

tur·​bu·​lent ˈtər-byə-lənt 

: causing or being in a state of unrest, violence, or disturbance

a turbulent relationship

turbulently adverb