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

Other Word Forms

• disturber noun
• predisturb 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

She said the synagogue attack "disturbed everyone", adding: "These kind of attacks have happened in the past and different people react in different ways."

From BBC

“Anemone” allows Day-Lewis to be volcanic when Ray launches into a disturbing, ultimately revolting monologue about a recent run-in with a pedophiliac priest from childhood.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she was disturbed to learn some of the claims may have been tainted by fraud and expected the county would receive tough questions about how the lawsuits were vetted.

From Los Angeles Times

As more disturbing footage and evidence of Ethan's injuries emerged, he knew his team needed support and a welfare strategy was put in place for all involved.

From BBC

Dark and disturbing, “Good Boy” explores what happens when our pets are confronted with forces beyond their comprehension, and how we as humans often fail to heed our pet’s instincts.

From Salon

Related Words

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