disturbance

American  

[dih-stur-buhns] / dɪˈstɜr bəns /

noun

1. the act of disturbing.

2. the state of being 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 British  

/ 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

---

Related Words

See agitation. See disorder.

Other Word Forms

• nondisturbance
  noun
• predisturbance
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disturbance

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

Explanation

A disturbance is a noisy commotion that causes a hubbub or interruption. It can also be a worried mental state. In hotels, people put up "Do not disturb" signs when they want to be left alone. That's a good clue to what a disturbance is: something, usually noisy or rowdy, that bothers people. An audience member yelling during a piano concert would be a disturbance. Disturbances can also be interruptions, like a disturbance in cable service when the cable goes out. Disturbances can also be mental: if you're worried or anxious, that's a type of internal disturbance.

Example Sentences

The man who made the disturbance call and his girlfriend were also unharmed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Miles Hoffman, a music commentator for NPR, has described syncopation as “a disturbance or interruption of the regular flow of rhythm.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

"Sea mines and other explosive devices can cause acoustic disturbance impacting sea mammals and other animals, and blast damage to natural undersea structures such as reefs," Weir said.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

The Bennetts' history with Sexton began in 2011, when they became desperate to leave their £160,000 detached house in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, because of long-term disturbance related to nearby building work.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Mom notices, and I can feel the disturbance in our bubble of silence.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

Related Words

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