disturb
verb (used with object)
to interrupt the quiet, rest, peace, or order of; unsettle.
have disturbed
-
present perfectof disturb.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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 a widely distributed quote that must have disturbed the leadership at Langley, Bush—who had previously been director of Central Intelligence—reportedly said, “I learn more from CNN than I do from the CIA.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
The defendants argued that someone else might have disturbed the graves and reburied the remains before they began working at the cemetery.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 6, 2026
Waymo vehicles have disturbed residents by honking at odd hours, and the company drew headlines after one of its robotaxis struck and killed KitKat, a beloved San Francisco corner-store cat, earlier this year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 10, 2025
However, human activities - mainly agriculture but also processes such as burning fossil fuels - have disturbed this balance.
From BBC ● Nov. 8, 2023
We must have disturbed the spider, causing it to fall and land squarely on Marissa’s head.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
