countercurrent, crosscurrent, riptide, tide rip, rip - a stretch of turbulent water in a river or the sea caused by one current flowing into or across another current

physical phenomenon - a natural phenomenon involving the physics of matter and energy

bad weather, inclemency, inclementness - weather unsuitable for outdoor activities

clear-air turbulence - strong turbulence in an otherwise cloudless region that subjects aircraft to violent updrafts or downdrafts

political science, politics, government - the study of government of states and other political units

disorder - a disturbance of the peace or of public order

ferment, unrest, agitation, fermentation - a state of agitation or turbulent change or development; "the political ferment produced a new leadership"; "social unrest"

roller coaster - anything characterized by abrupt and extreme changes (especially up and down); "the economy has been on a roller coaster all year"

violence - a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.