Definition of uproar

The origin of the word "uproar" can be traced back to the Middle English period, around the 14th century. The term originated from the Old French word "proir," which meant "uproar" or "commotion." The word "proir" itself broke down into "pre" meaning "before" and "roire" meaning "to cry out." In Middle English, the word was spelled "proere" and later "proyre," reflecting the pronunciation of "roire" in Old French. As the English language evolved, the spelling has changed to "uproar" due to the vowel sounds. The meaning of "uproar" has also changed over time. In its earliest uses, it referred to a loud rustling sound, such as leaves rustling in the wind or silk rustling when someone walks through it. By the 15th century, the word had come to imply a rowdy commotion or disturbance caused by a group of people making noise. Overall, the word "uproar" provides an interesting window into both the evolution of the English language and the history of noise and commotion in Western culture.