perturb

[ per-turb ]

verb (used with object)

1. to disturb or disquiet greatly in mind; agitate:

   I can see how such a massive change in your routine would perturb you.

   Synonyms: worry, trouble

   Antonyms: pacify

2. to throw into great disorder:

   Huge construction projects can take years to finish, and meanwhile, can greatly perturb the neighborhood.

   Synonyms: muddle, disarrange, confuse

3. Astronomy. to cause perturbation in the orbit of (a celestial body).

perturb

/ pəˈtɜːb /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of; trouble
2. to throw into disorder
3. physics astronomy to cause (a planet, electron, etc) to undergo a perturbation

Derived Forms

• perˈturbingly, adverb
• perˈturbing, adjective
• perˈturbably, adverb
• perˈturbable, adjective

Other Words From

• per·turb·a·ble adjective
• per·turb·a·bil·i·ty [per-tur-b, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• per·tur·ba·tious [pur-ter-, bey, -sh, uh, s], adjective
• per·tur·ba·tor [pur, -ter-bey-ter], per·turb·er noun
• per·turb·ing·ly adverb
• per·turb·ment noun
• non·per·turb·a·ble adjective
• non·per·turb·ing adjective
• un·per·turb·a·ble adjective
• un·per·turb·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perturb¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English perturben (from Old French perturber ), from Latin perturbāre “to throw into confusion,” from per- per- + turbāre “to agitate, confuse” ( turbid )

Word History and Origins

Origin of perturb¹

C14: from Old French pertourber, from Latin perturbāre to confuse, from per- (intensive) + turbāre to agitate, from turba confusion

Example Sentences

He did not seem to perturbed, however, adding: “I am looking to be very supportive of his nomination.”

From Salon

“We have two granddaughters who live over there and they were a bit perturbed by having 200 people staring at their house. But no, they were very good.”

From BBC

Far from being perturbed by this prospect, Azi seemed excited at the thought that out of the smouldering ashes of democracy, new kings would emerge: corporate dictators ruling over their networked empires.

From BBC

It failed awkwardly, leaving legislative leaders perturbed at the governor.

From Los Angeles Times

White is hoping the issue is fixed, but he was a bit perturbed at the company’s use of “briefly” to describe the honking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitate
• alarm
• annoy
• bewilder
• confound
• confuse
• disconcert
• dismay
• disturb
• fluster
• irritate
• muddle
• perplex
• vex