1. Relating to someone who is in a state of agitation or tumult; disturbed: He had turbulent feelings or emotions after being rejected by the coach.
2. Characterized by, or showing disturbance, disorder, etc.: Many people go through turbulent years before they can find their peaceful years.
3. Referring to acts of violence and aggression: The turbulent young soldiers could not control themselves after their comrade was killed.
4. Descriptive of violent motion and agitation: While on their hiking trip, Mark and Janet sat down next to some turbulent rapids and enjoyed their lunch.
5. Chaotic and restless; marked by disturbances, changes, and unrest: It has been a turbulent year in politics.
6. In meteorology, atmospherically unstable: Turbulent weather conditions can occur when variations in wind speed and direction take place.

Chaotic, non-uniform motions of water or air through the effects of wind, currents, eddies, etc.: Turbulent mixing serves to transport heat, momentum, and other properties.