commotion

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱe? Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm Proto-Italic *kom Proto-Italic *kom- Proto-Indo-European *m(y)ewh₁-der. Proto-Italic *moweō Proto-Italic *kommoweō? Latin commoveō Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *-Hō Proto-Indo-European *-tiHō Proto-Italic *-tiō Latin -tiō Latin commōtiōnemder. Middle French commocion English commotion From Middle French commocion, from Latin commōtiōnem, accusative singular of commōtiō, from commoveō + -tiō.

1. A state of turbulent motion.
2. An agitated disturbance or a hubbub.

   “It would seem as if calm were necessary to convulsion; for the tranquillity of the last few months was again to be disturbed by political commotion.”

   “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. Sexual excitement.

   “and now, glancing my eyes towards that part of his dress which cover'd the essential object of enjoyment, I plainly discover'd the swell and commotion there”