'turmoil' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'turmoyle', where 'tur-' meant 'disturb' and '-moil' meant 'to toil or work hard.'

'turmoyle' transformed into the modern English word 'turmoil' through gradual phonetic changes.

Initially, it meant 'to disturb or agitate,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a state of confusion or disorder.'