uproar

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noun up·roar \ˈəp-ˌrȯr\

Definition of uproar

: a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance

See uproar defined for English-language learners

See uproar defined for kids

Examples of uproar in a Sentence

There was a lot of public uproar over the proposed jail.
There have been uproars in the past over similar proposals.
The proposal caused an uproar.
The town was in an uproar over the proposal to build a jail.

Recent Examples of uproar from the Web

The attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun caused an international uproar as images of the aftermath, including quivering children dying on camera, were widely broadcast.

— ian phillips and vladimir isachenkov, chicagotribune.com, "Putin says Syria chemical attack was provocation against Assad", 2 June 2017
The comments caused an uproar in the predominantly black NBA.

— eric levenson, CNN, "9 times LeBron James has spoken out on race", 1 June 2017
Her comments may have been interpreted differently in the U.S., causing an uproar, but that’s not her fault, said the official, asking not to be named discussing private deliberations.

— arne delfs, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Blasts Germany Again for Trade Deficit and NATO Support", 30 May 2017
The mosque proposal set off an uproar in the community, with public meetings crowded with angry residents.

— rick rojas, New York Times, "Settlements With New Jersey Suburb Clear Way for Proposed Mosque", 30 May 2017
Once word got out about the event, however, a small uproar began and the fairgrounds board scheduled Tuesday’s special meeting to address the issue.

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Fair board rescinds pot festival contract", 30 May 2017
The uproar hasn't kept the school community from celebrating its final days.

— jonathan m. pitts, baltimoresun.com, "'The Keepers,' pending closure shadow Seton Keough's final days", 25 May 2017
The patches will supposedly address those widescreen issues that had so many players in an uproar.

— susan arendt, WIRED, "BioShock Downloadable Content Coming Next Week", 30 Nov. 2007

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'uproar'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of uproar

by folk etymology from Dutch oproer, from Middle Dutch, from op up (akin to Old English ūp) + roer motion; akin to Old English hrēran to stir

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First Known Use: 1526

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UPROAR Defined for English Language Learners

uproar

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noun

Definition of uproar for English Language Learners

: a situation in which many people are upset, angry, or disturbed by something

UPROAR Defined for Kids

uproar

play

noun up·roar \ˈəp-ˌrȯr\

Definition of uproar for Students

: a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance Now the dining room was in an uproar … as the men jumped to their feet in confusion. — Judith Berry Griffin, Phoebe the Spy

History for uproar

In spite of appearances, the -roar part of the word uproar has no historical connection with the sound made by some animals. In Dutch oproer means “revolt, uprising,” having been compounded from op, “up,” and roer, “motion.” When the word was taken into English, its Dutch meaning was kept at first, but its spelling was altered to fit already familiar English words. English speakers assumed that the -roar in uproar did indeed refer to loud cries, and so the word went from meaning “uprising” to “a state of commotion.”