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disturb

v.
US //dɪˈstɝb// UK //dɪstˈɜːb// dis·turb
  1. 1 to interrupt someone (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to interrupt someone when they are busy, sleeping, or need to be alone.

    to interrupt a person's rest, privacy, or concentration. Transitive — takes a direct object.

    Example

    Please do not disturb the baby while she is taking her nap.

    Example

    The sign on the door requested that guests not disturb the meeting while the final negotiations were in progress.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice or as a polite request.
    • leave alone
  2. 2 to move or change something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move something from its usual position or to change a quiet situation.

    to interfere with the settled state or position of something. Transitive — takes a direct object.

    Example

    The archaeologists were careful not to disturb the ancient bones in the grave.

    Example

    Even a slight breeze can disturb the surface of the lake, ruining the perfect reflection of the mountains.

    Usage

    Commonly used in scientific or technical contexts regarding physical states.
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  1. 3 to make someone worried (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make someone feel worried, upset, or uncomfortable.

    to cause emotional distress or mental unease. Transitive — takes a direct object.

    Example

    The news about the accident disturbed her deeply for the rest of the day.

    Example

    The graphic nature of the documentary disturbed many viewers, leading to several formal complaints to the network.
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”).

Word family

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