Melee
(noun)
A confused struggle involving a number of people.
Origin:
Late middle english from old french mêlée, from meller 'to mix'.
Examples:
- The police had to intervene when the peaceful protest turned into a violent melee.
- The melee in the crowded market made it difficult for shoppers to move around.
- The final score of the football match was marred by a mass melee on the field.
- The melee of journalists and photographers swarmed the famous actor as he left the building.
- A melee of conflicting emotions and opinions filled the room as the debate heated up.