turbulent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
    tumultuous; troubled; disruptive; riotous.
    • effects of the struggle will be violent and disruptive
    • riotous times
    • these troubled areas
    • the tumultuous years of his administration
    • a turbulent and unruly childhood
  2. adjective satellite (of a liquid) agitated vigorously; in a state of turbulence
    roiling; churning; roiled; roily.
    • the river's roiling current
    • turbulent rapids

WordNet

Tur"bu*lent adjective
Etymology
L. turbulentus, fr. turba disorder, tumult: cf. F. turbulent. See Turbid.
Definitions
  1. Disturbed; agitated; tumultuous; roused to violent commotion; as, the turbulent ocean.
    Calm region once, And full of peace, now tossed and turbulent. Milton.
  2. Disposed to insubordination and disorder; restless; unquiet; refractory; as, turbulent spirits.
    Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit. Dryden.
  3. Producing commotion; disturbing; exciting.
    Whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes. Milton.
    Syn. -- Disturbed; agitated; tumultuous; riotous; seditious; insubordinate; refractory; unquiet.

Webster 1913