tumult Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of commotion and noise and confusion
    garboil; tumultuousness; uproar.
  2. noun violent agitation
    turmoil.
  3. noun the act of making a noisy disturbance
    din; ruckus; commotion; rumpus; ruction.

WordNet

Tu"mult noun
Etymology
L.tumultus; probably akin to Skr. tumula noise, noisy, and perhaps to L. tumere to swell, E. tumid: cf. F. tumulte.
Definitions
  1. The commotion or agitation of a multitude, usually accompanied with great noise, uproar, and confusion of voices; hurly-burly; noisy confusion.
    What meaneth the noise of this tumult ? 1 Sam. iv. 14.
    Till in loud tumult all the Greeks arose. Pope.
  2. Violent commotion or agitation, with confusion of sounds; as, the tumult of the elements. Addison.
  3. Irregular or confused motion; agitation; high excitement; as, the tumult of the spirits or passions. Syn. -- Uproar; ferment; disturbance; turbulence; disorder; confusion; noise; bluster; hubbub; bustle; stir; brawl; riot.
Tu"mult intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make a tumult; to be in great commotion. Obs.
    Importuning and tumulting even to the fear of a revolt. Milton.

Webster 1913