ENGLISH
REFERENCE

disturb

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //dɪˈstɝb// UK //dɪstˈɜːb// dis·turb Archaic General-service

v. to interrupt someone when they are busy or sleeping. It also means to move something from its original place or to make someone feel worried.

v. to interrupt the quiet, rest, or concentration of others; to interfere with the settled state or arrangement of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

Please do not disturb me while I am working.

CONTEXTUAL

The loud construction noise outside began to disturb the students during their final exam.

COMPLEX

The sudden introduction of a new predator can disturb the delicate balance of an ecosystem, leading to the decline of several native species.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English destourben, from Anglo-Norman distourber and Old French destorber, from Latin disturbare, intensifying for turbare (“to throw into disorder”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European (s)twerH-, (s)turH- (“to rotate, swirl, twirl, move around”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice ('to be disturbed') when describing an emotional state.

Pitfall

I am sorry for disturb youI am sorry for disturbing youAfter a preposition like 'for', the verb must take the -ing form.

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