Unrest
/ʌnˈrɛst/noun
A state of agitation, disorder, or political and social disturbance.
Did you know?The prefix un- comes from an ancient Germanic negating element, while rest traces back to a Germanic noun for a resting place or pause—making unrest, at its core, the denial of stillness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁res- / *h₁ros-
“A reconstructed root associated with rest or repose; the exact prehistory of Germanic rest is debated.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*un-
“A productive negative prefix meaning “not” or “opposite of.””
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*rastō
“Rest, repose, or a stopping place.”
Old English
Old English
unræst
“Restless, uneasy, troubled, or lacking repose.”
Middle English
Middle English
unrest
“Lack of rest; disturbance or agitation.”
Modern English
English
unrest
“Social, political, or personal disturbance and agitation.”