Dictionary entry

Turbulent

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Tur″bu‐lent (?), a. [L. turbulentus, fr. turba disorder, tumult: cf. F. turbulent. See Turbid.] 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.