disturbance

American  

[dih-stur-buhns] / dɪˈstɜr bəns /

noun

disturbances plural

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.

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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

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Synonym Usage

See agitation. See disorder.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nondisturbance
  noun
• predisturbance
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• disturbances
  plural

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

See Examples For:

disturbance disturbances

The slowdown from the last quarter was likely because of disturbance to sentiments from international geopolitical issues, Citi analysts said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

“During an arrival maneuver, an aircraft flew lower than standard profiles, resulting in a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas,” a Navy spokesperson said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026

The trigger we saw was then an atmospheric disturbance higher in the atmosphere - which essentially allowed all that stored energy to be released, resulting in the intense thunderstorms.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

The incident occurred June 14 when officers from the Santa Ana Police Department responded around 10:30 p.m. to a family disturbance in the 3400 block of South Main Street.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

The only disturbance during the evening was the noise of a tremendous cat battle out in the yard.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford

The topology of that state fixes the values of the steps and plateaus, making them resistant to disturbances and defects.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026

Once the MoU is signed, the US will begin removing its naval blockade and "any disturbances or impediments" that have been placed on Iranian ports, the fourth point says.

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

Paris tram lines were halted, several metro stations shut and bus traffic halted in places in bid to minimise disturbances.

From Barron's ● May 30, 2026

Despite Saudi bans on political activity, there is always a risk of disturbances among throngs of worshipers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

Since the vast disturbances in the Arctic, the ice had begun to disappear, and Iorek knew that he had to find an icebound fastness for his kin, or they would perish.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

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