uproar
B2Formal to neutral. Common in journalism, political commentary, and descriptive writing.
Definition
Meaning
A situation of loud, confused noise, and usually, public excitement, anger, or protest.
Can refer to a state of public controversy, outcry, or tumult, often in response to an event or decision, even if not physically loud.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun denoting a state or event. The verb form 'uproar' is archaic; 'uproarious' is the related adjective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK political reporting.
Connotations
In both, implies a loss of order and control, often with moral or emotional outrage.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Collocations like 'cause an uproar' or 'spark an uproar' are universal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VERB] + an uproar (e.g., cause, create)an uproar + [PREP] + [NOUN] (e.g., uproar over the decision)an uproar + [VERB] (e.g., uproar ensued, uproar died down)[ADJ] + uproar (e.g., public, political)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All hell broke loose (related in meaning, implying sudden chaos)”
- “Kick up a fuss/ruckus (a verb phrase for causing a lesser uproar)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO's sudden resignation caused an uproar among shareholders.
Academic
The controversial paper sparked an uproar in the scientific community.
Everyday
There was an uproar at the town meeting when the new parking fees were announced.
Technical
Not typically used in highly technical contexts (e.g., engineering, programming).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Archaic/Not used in modern English)
American English
- (Archaic/Not used in modern English)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form. 'Uproariously' is possible but rare.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form. 'Uproariously' is possible but rare.)
adjective
British English
- The uproarious laughter filled the theatre.
- It was an uproarious comedy night.
American English
- The comedian's set was absolutely uproarious.
- An uproarious party next door kept us awake.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children made an uproar when the teacher left the room.
- The new tax caused an uproar among small business owners.
- The journalist's revelation provoked a public uproar, leading to a parliamentary inquiry.
- Amid the uproar over the data breach, the company's attempts at damage control seemed wholly inadequate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ROAR coming UP from a crowd – an UP-ROAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL IS A LOUD NOISE / SOCIAL ORDER IS QUIET.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как «вверх» + «рёв».
- Основной перевод — «шум», «галдёж», но с коннотацией протеста или скандала.
- Отличать от более нейтрального «noise» и более хаотичного «chaos». «Uproar» часто имеет социально-политический подтекст.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The crowd uproared' is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'roar' (a single loud sound).
- Misspelling as 'uprore'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for an 'uproar'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern English 'uproar' is exclusively a noun. The verb form is archaic. To describe the action, use phrases like 'cause an uproar' or 'erupt in uproar'.
'Noise' is a general term for sound, often unwanted. 'Uproar' specifically implies a loud, chaotic noise arising from excitement, anger, or protest from a group of people.
It is predominantly negative or neutral, describing disruption and loss of control. However, it can be used humorously or hyperbolically in positive contexts (e.g., 'uproarious laughter').
The related adjective is 'uproarious', meaning characterized by or provoking loud noise and excitement, often laughter.