upheaval

noun

up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl 

(ˌ)ə-ˈpē-

1

: the action or an instance of upheaving especially of part of the earth's crust

2

: extreme agitation or disorder : radical change

also : an instance of this

Synonyms

• bouleversement
• cataclysm
• convulsion
• earthquake
• paroxysm
• storm
• tempest
• tumult
• uproar

Examples of upheaval in a Sentence

The civil rights movement marked a period of social upheaval in the U.S.

the emotional upheaval of divorce

a period of cultural and social upheavals

The island was created by an upheaval of the ocean floor.

The lake was formed by geologic upheaval.

Recent Examples on the Web

The resulting fallout led to internal upheaval and a loss of trust. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Turn Adversity into Opportunity Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour emerged from a period of significant brand upheaval. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The United States ordered more than 75 strikes on ISIS camps to stop the terrorist group from taking advantage of the upheaval. —Seyed Ismail Nafeesa, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024

There’s nothing in any NFL handbook that would suggest coaching upheaval is a good thing for a rookie franchise quarterback. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

upheaval

noun

up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl 

(ˌ)ə-ˈpē-

1

: the action or an instance of heaving or lifting up from beneath especially of part of the earth's crust

2

: an instance of violent disorder or change

emotional upheaval