commotion

word

/kəˈmoʊʃən/
/kəmˈəʊʃən/

Definition

A sudden, noisy, and confused situation with lots of movement or activity, usually when people are surprised or upset.

Usage & Nuances

'Commotion' is usually formal or neutral and describes unexpected, often disruptive noise or activity involving people or animals. Common collocations: 'cause a commotion', 'make a commotion', 'there was a commotion'. Do not confuse with 'emotion' or 'motion'.

Example Sentences

There was a commotion outside the classroom.

basic

The dog caused a commotion by barking loudly.

basic

The loud crash made a commotion in the street.

basic

When the celebrity walked in, there was quite a commotion at the restaurant.

natural

The kids made such a commotion that the neighbors complained.

natural

She tried to slip out quietly, but her fall caused a big commotion.

natural