disturbed

[ dih-sturbd ]

adjective

1. marked by symptoms of mental illness:

   a disturbed personality.

2. agitated or distressed; disrupted:

   disturbed seas; a disturbed situation.

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Usually the disturbed. persons who exhibit symptoms of neurosis or psychosis.

disturbed

/ dɪˈstɜːbd /

adjective

1. psychiatry emotionally upset, troubled, or maladjusted

Other Words From

• un·dis·turbed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturbed¹

First recorded in 1585–95; disturb + -ed ²

Example Sentences

The phenomenon has grown so popular of late that Yosemite officials say a growing number of visitors have destroyed natural vegetation and disturbed habitats while battling for parking and viewing spaces.

From Los Angeles Times

Howard-Elley said she is disturbed at how close she came to losing her ability to vote.

From Salon

Van Kerkhove and other pandemic experts said they were disturbed by the amount of detail the agency’s updates lack.

From Salon

The plans also insist music would be kept to a "low level" and that nobody would be disturbed.

From BBC

The creature doesn’t tend to bite, however, unless scared or disturbed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitated
• troubled