Word of the Day, October 01: ‘Uproar’

Word of the Day: UPROAR

Pronunciation: UK /ˈʌprɔːr/
US /ˈʌp.rɔːr/

Meaning

Uproar means a situation involving loud noise, confusion, excitement or angry protest. It can describe anything from a noisy crowd to a strong public reaction to something that has happened.

Examples for daily usage

• The announcement caused an uproar among the fans.
• There was an uproar outside the stadium after the match.
• The children made such an uproar that everyone in the house woke up.

Origin and history

Uproar entered English in the 1520s and originally meant a violent disturbance, revolt or outbreak of disorder. It was formed as a loan translation of German Aufruhr and Dutch oproer, both meaning tumult or disturbance.

The German and Dutch words literally carried the idea of something being stirred up. The first part is related to up, while the second part comes from words meaning movement or stirring. The sense of loud shouting appeared by the 1540s, probably influenced by the unrelated English word roar.

Also Read: Word of the Day, September 30: ‘Treason’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

Today, uproar can describe both physical noise and a strong reaction. A crowd can be in an uproar, but a controversial decision can also cause an uproar even when there is no literal shouting.

The word is common in news reports and everyday conversation, especially when describing public anger, excitement or controversy. It can also be used in a lighter way for noisy laughter, children making a fuss or a room becoming unusually loud.

Interesting facts

Despite its spelling, uproar is not actually formed from “up” + “roar”. Its second element comes from Germanic words meaning stirring or movement.

The related expression “kick up a dust”, meaning to cause an uproar, has been recorded since the 18th century.

Examples from literature

• “curious to know the cause of the uproar.” — Vanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray
• “amidst an uproar that might have made the Speaker of the House of Commons giddy.” — David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
• “the uproar out of doors” — David Copperfield, Charles Dickens

Synonyms

• Commotion
• Turmoil
• Tumult
• Hubbub
• Outcry
• Ruckus

Antonyms

• Calm
• Silence
• Peace
• Quiet
• Order

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