First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
disturb
verb dis·turb \di-ˈstərb\
: to stop (someone) from working, sleeping, etc. : to interrupt or bother (someone or something)
: to worry or upset (someone)
: to change the position, arrangement, or order of (something)
Full Definition of DISTURB
transitive verb
1
a : to interfere with : interrupt <disturbing the flow of traffic> b : to alter the position or arrangement of <the items on her desk had been disturbed> c : to upset the natural and especially the ecological balance or relations of <wetlands disturbed by development>
2
a : to destroy the tranquillity or composure of <the noisy lawnmower disturbed their sleep> b : to throw into disorder c : alarm d : to put to inconvenience <sorry to disturb you at such a late hour>
intransitive verb
See disturb defined for English-language learners
See disturb defined for kids
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Origin of DISTURB
Middle English disturben, destourben, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French destorber, from Latin disturbare, from dis- + turbare to throw into disorder, from turba disorder — more at turbid
Related to DISTURB
- Synonyms
- agitate, ail, alarm (also alarum), bother, concern, derail, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distemper, distract, distress, exercise, flurry, frazzle, freak (out), fuss, hagride, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, weird out, worry
- Antonyms
- calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize (also tranquillize)
Synonym Discussion of DISTURB
discompose, disquiet, disturb, perturb, agitate, upset, fluster mean to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action. discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress <discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife>. disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind <the disquieting news of factories closing>. disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption <the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me>. perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions <perturbed by her husband's strange behavior>. agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement <in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work>. upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief <the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child>. fluster suggests bewildered agitation <his declaration of love completely flustered her>.
DISTURB Defined for Kids
disturb
verb dis·turb \di-ˈstərb\
dis·turbeddis·turb·ing
Definition of DISTURB for Kids
1
: to interfere with : interrupt <Don't disturb him while he's working.>
2
: to change the position or arrangement of
4
: to make confused or disordered <disturb the peace>
Word Root of DISTURB
The Latin word turba, meaning “disorder,” gives us the root turb. Words from the Latin turba have something to do with disorder. To disturb is to cause disorder to something or to someone's feelings. To perturb, or trouble, is to cause disorder to someone's mind. Anything turbulent is in a state of violence or disorder.
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