Disturb

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪsˈtɜː(ɹ)b/Rhymes: -ɜː(r)b

Origin

From Anglo-Norman distourber, from Old French destorber, from Latin disturbare, intensifying for turbare ("to throw into disorder").

Full definition of disturb

Verb

1. (transitive) to confuse a quiet, constant state or a calm, continuous flow, in particular: thoughts, actions or liquids.The noisy ventilation disturbed me during the exam.The performance was disturbed twice by a ringing mobile phone.A school of fish disturbed the water.
2. (transitive) to divert, redirect, or alter by disturbing.A mudslide disturbed the course of the river.The trauma disturbed his mind.
• Miltondisturb his inmost counsels from their destined aim
3. (intransitive) to have a negative emotional impact; to cause emotional distress or confusion.A disturbing film that tries to explore the mind of a serial killer.His behaviour is very disturbing.

Derived terms

• disturbance

Noun