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A.Word.A.Day--pandemonium

pandemonium (pan-duh-MO-nee-uhm) noun

1. Wild uproar.

2. A place marked by disarray, noise, chaos, confusion, etc.

3. Hell.

[From Pandaemonium, the capital of hell in Paradise Lost by John Milton (1608-1674).]

From The Devil's Dictionary: Pandemonium, n. Literally, the Place of All the Demons. Most of them have escaped into politics and finance, and the place is now used as a lecture hall by the Audible Reformer. When disturbed by his voice the ancient echoes clamor appropriate responses most gratifying to his pride of distinction.

See more usage examples of pandemonium in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

"Each short move brings pandemonium, a clatter of hooves and high-pitched bleats from lambs frantically searching for their mothers." Shirleen Holt; Court Battle Over Sheepherders' Plight Highlights Fading Vocation; The Seattle Times; May 22, 2005.

This week's theme: words from The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce.

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