disturbance

[ dih-stur-buhns ]

noun

1. the act of disturbing. disturbing.
2. the state of being disturbed. disturbed.

   Synonyms: confusion, perturbation

3. an instance of this; commotion.

   Antonyms: order

4. something that disturbs.
5. an outbreak of disorder; a breach of public peace:

   Political disturbances shook the city.

   Synonyms: riot, tumult, confusion

6. Meteorology. any cyclonic storm or low-pressure area, usually a small one.
7. Geology. a crustal movement of moderate intensity, somewhat restricted in area.

disturbance

/ dɪˈstɜːbəns /

noun

1. the act of disturbing or the state of being disturbed
2. an interruption or intrusion
3. an unruly outburst or tumult
4. law an interference with another's rights
5. geology
   1. a minor movement of the earth causing a small earthquake
   2. a minor mountain-building event
6. meteorol a small depression
7. psychiatry a mental or emotional disorder

Other Words From

• nondis·turbance noun
• predis·turbance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturbance¹

1250–1300; Middle English disto ( u ) rbance < Anglo-French, Old French. See disturb, -ance

Synonym Study

See agitation. See disorder.

Example Sentences

Besides grounding planes to minimise noise disturbances during the 20-minute English listening test, authorities have also asked bus and taxi drivers to refrain from honking while the tests are taking place.

From BBC

The bomb threats were among multiple disturbances that U.S. officials are tracking.

From Los Angeles Times

The FBI received an alert from the Transportation Security Administration at 9:26 a.m. about a disturbance aboard a roughly five-hour United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Dulles Airport in Virginia.

From Los Angeles Times

Segments of the crowd could be heard booing the disturbance, and Yorke returned to cheers shortly after to play the Radiohead song Karma Police.

From BBC

Local police agencies have been training in case of civil disturbances and the sheriff is planning to make specialized units ready during the elections.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brawl
• confusion
• disorder
• disruption
• eruption
• explosion
• fracas
• interruption
• riot
• shock
• storm
• tremor
• turmoil
• upheaval
• uprising
• violence