disturb the peace
Americanidiom
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to disrupt public order by noisy, violent, or disorderly behavior.
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to behave in an improper, loud, or aggressive manner in public.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In this world, the bizarre proclivities of one man can disturb the peace and rattle markets.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
Mashhad prosecutor Hasan Hematifar told reporters that Mohammadi had been among 39 people arrested, and she and Alikordi's brother had encouraged those present "to chant norm-breaking slogans" and "disturb the peace".
From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026
“Our fight against organized crime organizations and spies that disturb the peace of our families will continue with determination,” Mr. Yerlikaya said on X.
From Washington Times • Jan. 2, 2024
“Union representatives are blaring sirens and alarms at odd hours that not only disturb the peace and neighboring residents but also clearly create a safety risk,” Hillan said in an email.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2023
We could get evicted for allowing someone to disturb the peace.
From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.