The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tumult \Tu"mult\, n. [L. tumultus; probably akin to Skr. tumula
   noise, noisy, and perhaps to L. tumere to swell, E. tumid:
   cf. F. tumulte.]
   1. The commotion or agitation of a multitude, usually
      accompanied with great noise, uproar, and confusion of
      voices; hurly-burly; noisy confusion.
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            What meaneth the noise of this tumult ? --1 Sam. iv.
                                                  14.
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            Till in loud tumult all the Greeks arose. --Pope.
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   2. Violent commotion or agitation, with confusion of sounds;
      as, the tumult of the elements. --Addison.
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   3. Irregular or confused motion; agitation; high excitement;
      as, the tumult of the spirits or passions.
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   Syn: Uproar; ferment; disturbance; turbulence; disorder;
        confusion; noise; bluster; hubbub; bustle; stir; brawl;
        riot.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tumult \Tu"mult\, v. i.
   To make a tumult; to be in great commotion. [Obs.]
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         Importuning and tumulting even to the fear of a revolt.
                                                  --Milton.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

tumult
    n 1: a state of commotion and noise and confusion [syn:
         tumult, tumultuousness, uproar, garboil]
    2: violent agitation [syn: tumult, turmoil]
    3: the act of making a noisy disturbance [syn: commotion,
       din, ruction, ruckus, rumpus, tumult]