pandemonium

Definition

A loud, wild, tumultuous protest, disorder, or chaotic situation, usually of a crowd, often violent.

Etymology

Coined by John Milton in Paradise Lost as Pandæmonium, from Ancient Greek πᾶν (pân, “all”) (equivalent to pan-) + Late Latin daemonium (“evil spirit, demon”), from Ancient Greek δαιμόνιον (daimónion, “deity”).

Example Sentences

• "Whatever all this pandemonium means, I suppose the police station will help us."
• "Whenever you have violent pandemonium, there's the overwhelming possibility for panic and tragedy."
• "Riyad Mahrez flighted the free-kick that followed to the far post and Morgan, with not much finesse but plenty of desire, bundled the ball over the line. Cue pandemonium in the stands."