First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
perturb
verb per·turb \pər-ˈtərb\
: to cause (someone) to be worried or upset
Full Definition of PERTURB
transitive verb
1
: to cause to be worried or upset : disquiet
2
: to throw into confusion : disorder
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Origin of PERTURB
Middle English, from Middle French perturber, from Latin perturbare to throw into confusion, from per- + turbare to disturb — more at turbid
Related to PERTURB
- Synonyms
- agitate, ail, alarm (also alarum), bother, concern, derail, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distemper, distract, distress, exercise, flurry, frazzle, freak (out), fuss, hagride, disturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, weird out, worry
- Antonyms
- calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize (also tranquillize)
Synonym Discussion of PERTURB
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>.
PERTURB Defined for Kids
perturb
verb per·turb \pər-ˈtərb\
per·turbedper·turb·ing
Definition of PERTURB for Kids
: to disturb in mind : trouble greatly
Word Root of PERTURB
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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Next Word in the Dictionary: perturbate (transitive verb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: per tout et non per myAll Words Near: perturb
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