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

Derived Forms

• disˈturber, noun

Other Word Forms

• dis·turber noun
• predis·turb verb (used with object)

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturb¹

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

Example Sentences

Medical issues and family stressors — also called adverse childhood experiences — can disturb this process, but often aren’t identified until preschool or later, when behavioral or other problems have spiraled.

From Los Angeles Times

A man who served on the jury of a high-profile murder trial has said more needs to be done to support jurors who are exposed to disturbing, graphic evidence.

From BBC

We would be disturbed by the same things.

From Salon

The case showed a "disturbing shift in trafficking patterns - from iconic mammals to lesser-known species that are vital to ecological balance", the KWS said.

From BBC

When a mentally disturbed neighbor sets herself on fire and a slumlord tries to extort money from them, the family gets tangled in the corruption that keeps a stranglehold on the slum’s inhabitants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitate
• alarm
• amaze
• annoy
• arouse
• astound
• complicate
• confuse
• depress
• dishearten
• disrupt
• distract
• excite
• frighten
• gall
• interrupt
• irk
• irritate
• outrage
• perplex