definition of
upheaval

[1] #1 upheaval n. [turbulence, Sturm und Drang] a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally); "the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence". wn

[2] #2 upheaval n. [convulsion, turmoil] a violent disturbance; "the convulsions of the stock market". wn

[3] #3 upheaval n. [uplift, upthrow, upthrust] (geology) a rise of land to a higher elevation (as in the process of mountain building). wn

[4] #4 upheaval n. [agitation, excitement, turmoil, hullabaloo] disturbance usually in protest. wn