turbulent

adj

Etymology: From Middle English turbulent, from Middle French turbulent, from Latin turbulentus, from turba (“disorder, tumult, crowd”).

1. Violently disturbed or agitated; tempestuous, tumultuous.

   “It is dangerous to sail in turbulent seas.”

2. Being in, or causing, disturbance or unrest.

   “The mid-19th century was a turbulent time in American history.”

   “The [Washington] Post's proprietor through those turbulent [Watergate] days, Katharine Graham, held a double place in Washington’s hierarchy: at once regal Georgetown hostess and scrappy newshound, ready to hold the establishment to account. That is a very American position.”