Uproar
/ˈʌpˌrɔr/
nounB2
Definition
Uproar is when there is a lot of noise and confusion caused by people who are angry, excited, or shocked. It can happen in places like meetings, streets, or events when many people speak loudly or shout at the same time. It often means a disorderly or chaotic situation.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
A loud noise made by a group of people, often showing strong feelings
- •The announcement caused an uproar in the crowd.
- •There was an uproar after the referee made a bad decision.
- •The comedian’s joke caused an uproar of laughter.
A situation of confusion and disorder because of strong emotions
- •The new law created an uproar among citizens.
- •The celebrity’s scandal caused an uproar in the media.
- •The protest turned into an uproar when the police arrived.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "uproar" like "noise," but much louder and caused by many people all at once, not just one sound.
- ✓Picture a crowd shouting and talking loudly all together after something surprising happens.
- ✓It's the feeling when a group is upset or excited and the calm is broken by loud voices and movement.
- ✓Sounds like "UP-roar" → imagine a loud roar (like an animal) going UP high and spreading everywhere.
- ✓Think of a noisy football game where fans yell loudly after a goal, creating an uproar.
- ✓NOT like "quiet" (calm and silent), uproar is very noisy and active.
- ✓NOT like "argument" (a quiet or calm disagreement), uproar is loud and involves many people.
- ✓NOT like "shout" (one person’s loud voice), uproar is many voices together.
Try Other Words
- •Commotion: noisy and excited activity (Use when the situation is noisy but also includes movement and activity)
- •Chaos: complete disorder and confusion (Use when uproar leads to total confusion and loss of control)
- •Racket: loud, unpleasant noise (Use when the noise is annoying or unpleasant)
- •Din: continuous loud noise (Use when noise is long-lasting and loud)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "up" + "roar" (roar means a loud, deep sound)
- •Etymology: "roar" comes from Old English "rār," meaning a loud cry or shout; "up" adds the idea of rising or increasing
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe loud noise or shouting that rises and spreads
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe loud, noisy reactions from groups of people, especially when upset or excited
Reflect & Connect
•Can an uproar ever be positive, or is it always a problem? When might it be good?
•How does an uproar affect people who want quiet or calm? Can it change a situation quickly?
Fill in the blanks
1.The politician’s speech caused an uproar because the audience ___ strongly against his ideas.
2.When the referee made a wrong call, the crowd erupted into an uproar of ___ and shouting.
3.Unlike a quiet disagreement, an uproar involves many people making ___ noise together.
4.The fans’ uproar grew louder as their team scored ___ the last minute.
5.During an uproar, it is common for people to ___ their voices and move around excitedly.
6.The news of the scandal caused an uproar ___ the city, with many people talking loudly.
7.After the uproar died down, the meeting continued in a much more ___ way.