Synonyms

disturb

American

[dih-sturb] / dɪˈstɜrb /

verb (used with object)

to interrupt the quiet, rest, peace, or order of; unsettle.

Synonyms:

pester , trouble , annoy , bother
to interfere with; interrupt; hinder.

Please do not disturb me when I'm working.
to interfere with the arrangement, order, or harmony of; disarrange.

to disturb the papers on her desk.
to perplex; trouble.

to be disturbed by strange behavior.

verb (used without object)

to cause disturbance to someone's sleep, rest, etc..

Do not disturb.

disturb British

/ dɪˈstɜːb /

verb

to intrude on; interrupt
to destroy or interrupt the quietness or peace of
to disarrange; muddle
(often passive) to upset or agitate; trouble

I am disturbed at your bad news
to inconvenience; put out

don't disturb yourself on my account

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

disturber noun
predisturb verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of disturb

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 )

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.

Senate in Maine was shaken by a number of disturbing online posts.

From Los Angeles Times

No iPhone glows disturbed the darkness, just snores and the thud of wheels, the occasional whoosh of a passing train tilting us to one side.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We know the videos circulating are disturbing,” the department said in a Wednesday statement.

From Los Angeles Times

That this was even in question is both comical and disturbing, but I’m thankful for the outcome.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms Arora says she was deeply disturbed by reports of children disappearing in her area and went to meet senior police officials and the district magistrate.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023