Word
disturbed
Phoneticsdis·turbed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈstɝbd/
UK/dɪstˈɜːbd/
Definitions
01emotionally upset
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling very worried, shocked, or upset by something you have seen or heard.
adj. experiencing significant emotional or mental distress; often used to describe a reaction to unsettling information or events.
“She was deeply disturbed by the news of the accident.”
“The witnesses were visibly disturbed by the graphic nature of the testimony, with several requiring a brief recess to compose themselves.”
Antonyms
02mentally ill
C1 · Advanced Medicine Formal
adj. having serious mental health problems or behaving in a strange, worrying way.
adj. exhibiting symptoms of significant psychological or emotional instability.
“The film tells the story of a disturbed young man living alone in the woods.”
“Clinical evaluations suggested the defendant was a severely disturbed individual whose actions were driven by long-term untreated psychosis.”
Teaching tip
In modern contexts, 'mentally ill' or 'unwell' is often preferred in clinical settings, as 'disturbed' can carry a judgmental tone.
Synonyms
03moved or touched
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having been moved, changed, or touched by someone.
adj. having had its natural or original state interrupted or altered by an external force.
“The police noticed that the soil in the garden had been disturbed.”
“The archaeologists were disappointed to find that the burial site had been disturbed by looters centuries earlier, leaving few artifacts intact.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Researchers have spent years investigating connections between disturbed sleep and neurodegenerative diseases.” “He said in a later statement released by the city: “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by tonight’s incident in the east end of Belleville.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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