/ ˈtɜːbjələnt; NAmE ˈtɜːrb-/ adjective [ usually before noun ]
1.
in which there is a lot of sudden change, confusion, disagreement and sometimes violence :
a short and turbulent career in politics
a turbulent part of the world
2.
( of air or water ) changing direction suddenly and violently :
The aircraft is designed to withstand turbulent conditions.
a turbulent sea / storm (= caused by turbulent water / air)
3.
( of people ) noisy and/or difficult to control
SYN unruly :
a turbulent crowd
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin turbulentus full of commotion, from turba crowd.