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 Words From

• 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

“The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country,” Carvalho said.

From Los Angeles Times

First, the team needed to find a way to run their experiments without disturbing the tissue.

From Science Daily

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

“We will not allow any attempt to disturb public order.”

From BBC

"This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism," it added.

From BBC

Related Words

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