Commotion

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /kəˈməʊ.ʃən/
• US IPA: /kəˈmoÊŠ.ʃən/
• Rhymes: -əʊʃən, -oʊʃən

Origin

From Middle French commocion, from Latin commōtiōnem, accusative singular of commōtiō, from commōtus, perfect passive participle of commoveō.

Full definition of commotion

Noun

1. A state of turbulent motion.
2. An agitated disturbance or a hubbub.
• 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 19, When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. He had him gripped firmly by the arm, since he felt it was not safe to let him loose, and he had no immediate idea what to do with him.
3. (euphemistic) Sexual excitement.

Synonyms