disturb

play

verb dis·turb \di-ˈstərb\

Definition of disturb

transitive verb
1a : to interfere with : interrupt disturbing the flow of trafficb : to alter the position or arrangement of the items on her desk had been disturbedc : to upset the natural and especially the ecological balance or relations of wetlands disturbed by development
2a : to destroy the tranquility or composure of The noisy lawnmower disturbed their sleep. was disturbed by his bizarre behaviorb : to throw into disorder disturbing our routinec : alarm trying not to disturb the sleeping dogsd : to put to inconvenience sorry to disturb you at such a late hour
intransitive verb
: to cause disturbance

disturber

noun

disturbingly

play \-ˈstər-biŋ-lē\ adverb

See disturb defined for English-language learners

See disturb defined for kids

Examples of disturb in a Sentence

I'm sorry to disturb you at such a late hour.
She doesn't want to be disturbed while she's working.
Don't disturb the baby when he's sleeping.
The noise disturbed my concentration.

Recent Examples of disturb from the Web

The party also started to use pettier charges, such as disturbing public order, against its critics.

— The Economist, "Liu Xiaobo’s former comradesXi Jinping keeps hundreds in prison for peaceful dissent," 15 July 2017
The death of the 17-year-old student who was described as loving and caring disturbed the girls.

— jonece starr dunigan, AL.com, "From bullied teen to plus-sized fashion entrepreneur, Birmingham woman brings inclusion to the runway," 7 July 2017
That nest and another nearby also showed signs of being disturbed by ATV tracks and some bootprints.

— elizabeth koh, miamiherald, "A sea turtle is mysteriously found dead after nesting in Miami Beach," 22 June 2017
Even then, hand-pulling weeds can disturb dormant seeds and create more weeds, which can pose a threat to individuals with allergies and asthma, officials said.

— Naperville Sun, "Naperville Park District halts use of weed killer on playgrounds," 15 June 2017
Theoretically, even if entangled objects are separated, their precarious quantum states should remain linked until one of them is measured or disturbed.

— gabriel popkin, Science | AAAS, "China’s quantum satellite achieves ‘spooky action’ at record distance," 15 June 2017
Laguna is charged with misdemeanor disturbing the peace, while Romero’s charges include two felony counts of assault on an officer.

— nate poppino, idahostatesman, "Police say 2 men fought, then fled, then resisted arrest," 12 June 2017
But the party’s call for a cautious separation from the European Union could disturb some of her Conservatives even more.

— dara doyle, Bloomberg.com, "Why May's New Friends in Belfast Might Urge a Pragmatic Brexit," 11 June 2017
Even with the apology, the optics here are disturbing.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity.com, "Vahe Gregorian: For once, control eludes Bill Snyder," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disturb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

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 English Language Learners

disturb

play

verb

Definition of disturb for English Language Learners

: 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)

DISTURB Defined for Kids

disturb

play

verb dis·turb \di-ˈstərb\

Definition of disturb for Students

disturbed

;

disturbing

1 : to interfere with : interrupt Don't disturb him while he's working.
2 : to change the position or arrangement of
3 : ¹upset 1, worry I am very disturbed by your behavior.
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.