disturbance

[dih-stur-buhns]

noun

1. the act of disturbing. disturbing.

2. the state of being disturbed. disturbed.

   Synonyms: confusion, perturbation

3. an instance of this; commotion.

   Antonyms: order

4. something that disturbs.

5. an outbreak of disorder; a breach of public peace.

   Political disturbances shook the city.

   Synonyms: riot, tumult, confusion

6. Meteorology.,  any cyclonic storm or low-pressure area, usually a small one.

7. Geology.,  a crustal movement of moderate intensity, somewhat restricted in area.

disturbance

/ dɪˈstɜːbəns /

noun

1. the act of disturbing or the state of being disturbed

2. an interruption or intrusion

3. an unruly outburst or tumult

4. law an interference with another's rights

5. geology

   1. a minor movement of the earth causing a small earthquake

   2. a minor mountain-building event

6. meteorol a small depression

7. psychiatry a mental or emotional disorder

Other Word Forms

• nondisturbance noun
• predisturbance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturbance¹

1250–1300; Middle English disto ( u ) rbance < Anglo-French, Old French. See disturb, -ance

Synonym Study

See agitation. See disorder.

Example Sentences

Scientists have also found that in a warming world, the growing interaction between westerly disturbances and monsoons is producing another unusual result.

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He said the country "no longer needs disturbances" and chose to make the first appointments in his new cabinet to the ministries of the armed forces, public security and armed police.

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Stating the country "no longer needs disturbances", his first appointments to his new cabinet were to the ministries of the armed forces, public security and the gendarmerie.

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Qubits are sensitive to environmental noise or any disturbances at the atomic level, which is why quantum computers have a propensity for errors.

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He later apologised to jurors for the "disturbance" as the case resumed and said Mr Hussein did not wish to return in court for the rest of the prosecution opening.

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Related Words

• brawl 
• confusion 
• disorder 
• disruption 
• eruption 
• explosion 
• fracas 
• interruption 
• riot 
• shock 
• storm 
• tremor 
• turmoil 
• upheaval 
• uprising 
• violence