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

His bitter resentment at this upheaval is startling, even in the annals of Second World War cinema, where fraught farewells in crowded train stations abound. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

Adding to the upheaval is the fact that another researcher recently left the company. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024

As someone deeply connected to this narrative through my family’s legacy with the Chickasaw Nation and the Chickasaw Freedmen, I am inspired by the pivotal roles that my great-great-great-grandfather, Charles Cohee Sr., and his son, Charles Cohee Jr., played during a time of significant upheaval. —Kevin Cohee, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The show has also seen a bit of of behind-the-scenes upheaval as of late. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 1 Nov. 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