upheaval

noun

up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl How to pronounce upheaval (audio)
(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

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
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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 See all Example Sentences for upheaval 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upheaval was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near upheaval

Cite this Entry

“Upheaval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upheaval. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

upheaval

noun
up·​heav·​al ˌəp-ˈhē-vəl How to pronounce upheaval (audio)
(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

More from Merriam-Webster on upheaval

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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