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View synonyms for disturb

disturb

[dih-sturb]

verb (used with object)

  1. to interrupt the quiet, rest, peace, or order of; unsettle.

    Synonyms: pester, trouble, annoy, bother
  2. to interfere with; interrupt; hinder.

    Please do not disturb me when I'm working.

  3. to interfere with the arrangement, order, or harmony of; disarrange.

    to disturb the papers on her desk.

  4. to perplex; trouble.

    to be disturbed by strange behavior.



verb (used without object)

  1. to cause disturbance to someone's sleep, rest, etc..

    Do not disturb.

disturb

/ dɪˈstɜːb /

verb

  1. to intrude on; interrupt

  2. to destroy or interrupt the quietness or peace of

  3. to disarrange; muddle

  4. (often passive) to upset or agitate; trouble

    I am disturbed at your bad news

  5. to inconvenience; put out

    don't disturb yourself on my account

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • disturber noun
  • predisturb verb (used with object)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of disturb1

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English distorben, distourben, disturben, from Anglo-French desturber, disto(u)rber, from Latin disturbāre “to demolish, upset,” from dis- dis- 1 + turbāre “to agitate, confuse” ( turbid )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of disturb1

C13: from Latin disturbāre, from dis- 1 + turbāre to confuse
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The tearing down of the East Wing of the White House also seems, in this context of concern, disturbing.

“Today’s events are deeply disturbing, and should concern fans, athletes, and everyone who loves sports and values integrity and fair play,” a FanDuel spokesperson said in a statement.

Read more on Barron's

One tried-and-true element is someone on the verge of doing something they shouldn’t: open that door, stare at that window, approach that disturbing figure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Among those to speak out was Amnesty International South Africa, which said the video was "deeply disturbing" and called for "timely disciplinary action".

Read more on BBC

Nicholas Bowen KC, representing the families of the three murdered girls, suggested that the significance of two disturbing incidents in 2019 "rather got lost in the wash".

Read more on BBC

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