a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
"the political ferment produced new leadership"
"social unrest"
a feeling of restless agitation
"After waiting three hours for his flight, he paced the terminal in a state of deep unrest."
A state of trouble, confusion and turbulence, especially in a political context; a time of riots, demonstrations and protests.
"The country has been gripped by unrest after the government announced new tax reforms."