commotion

commotion — noun

1. a situation in which there is a lot of noise and hurried movement, often because

1.nounB2
Definition

a situation in which there is a lot of noise and hurried movement, often because something unusual or unexpected has happened

Example

The sudden barking of the dogs caused a commotion in the quiet neighbourhood.

collocation: cause a commotion

When the fire alarm went off, there was a great commotion in the school hallways.

pattern: there was + commotion + location

Common collocations
  • cause a commotion
  • create a commotion
  • hear a commotion
  • great commotion
  • loud commotion
  • brief commotion
  • sudden commotion
  • commotion in the street
  • commotion among the crowd
Synonyms
  • uproar

    stronger intensity — suggests shouting and anger rather than just noise and movement

  • disturbance

    broader — can refer to any interruption of peace, not necessarily noisy

  • ruckus

    informal — a noisy argument or fight, more confrontational than a commotion

  • fuss

    milder — often about something minor; can imply unnecessary worry or excitement

Antonyms
  • calm

    a state of quietness and peace

  • stillness

    complete absence of movement or sound

Usage Note

Frequently used with verbs like cause, create, or make to describe what produces the disturbance. Often followed by among or in to indicate the affected group or location.

Common Mistakes

There was a big commotion of people in the street.
There was a big commotion in the street.
Commotion already implies people's activity; 'of people' is redundant.