Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

social-upheaval

noun
/ˈsoʊʃəl ʌpˈhiːvəl/
Definition
A significant and often sudden change in the structure of society, typically involving cultural, political, or economic transformations that can lead to unrest or conflict.
Examples
  • The civil rights movement of the 1960s was a period marked by social upheaval in the United States.
  • Economic crises can often lead to social upheaval, as people may rise up against inequality and injustice.
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to significant social upheaval across Eastern Europe.
Meaning
Social upheaval refers to the disturbances or drastic changes in societal norms and values, often impacting communities and nations.
Synonyms
  • social turmoil
  • civil unrest
  • societal disruption
  • social revolution