commotion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a disorderly outburst or tumult
    to-do; disturbance; hurly burly; kerfuffle; disruption; hoo-ha; hoo-hah; flutter.
    • they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused
  2. noun the act of making a noisy disturbance
    din; tumult; ruckus; rumpus; ruction.
  3. noun confused movement
    whirl.
    • he was caught up in a whirl of work
    • a commotion of people fought for the exits

WordNet

Com*mo"tion noun
Etymology
L. commotio: cf. F. commotion. See Motion.
Definitions
  1. Disturbed or violent motion; agitation.
    [What] commotion in the winds! Shak.
  2. A popular tumult; public disturbance; riot.
    When ye shall hear of wars and commotions. Luke xxi. 9.
  3. Agitation, perturbation, or disorder, of mind; heat; excitement. "He could not debate anything without some commotion." Clarendon. Syn. -- Excitement; agitation; perturbation; disturbance; tumult; disorder; violence.

Webster 1913