Upheaval

Upheaval

Definition

The word upheaval refers to a significant and often sudden change, disturbance, or disruption that can cause disorder or turmoil. It’s like a big shake-up or a major shift in a situation that can impact people’s lives or the environment around them. An upheaval can be seen in various contexts, such as social upheaval, political upheaval, or even geological upheaval. For example, a revolution in a country can lead to social upheaval, where the existing social order is dramatically altered. In geology, an upheaval might refer to the sudden uplift of land due to tectonic activity.

This term implies a sense of upheaval or chaos, indicating a period of instability or change that can be challenging to navigate. People often experience upheavals in their personal lives, like moving to a new city, changing jobs, or going through a significant life event.

Example sentences
The political landscape faced a seismic upheaval when the incumbent government was ousted in a coup.
The economic upheaval caused by the pandemic led to widespread fiscal turmoil and market volatility.
The cultural upheaval brought about by globalization sparked a renaissance of diverse artistic expressions.
The environmental upheaval resulting from climate change has triggered a cascade of ecological disruptions.
The social upheaval following the civil unrest prompted a paradigm shift in societal norms and governance structures.