What does "disturbing" mean?

1. (upsetting or worrying) making you feel worried, shocked, or upset. 2. (interrupting or bothering) the action of interrupting someone or moving something that should be left alone.

How do you use "disturbing"?

Often used in the phrase 'sorry for disturbing you'.

disturbing

adj. · v.

US //dɪˈstɝbɪŋ// UK //dɪstˈɜːbɪŋ// dis·turb·ing

1 upsetting or worrying (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

making you feel worried, shocked, or upset.

causing distress, anxiety, or psychological discomfort; unsettling in nature.

Example

The news report showed some disturbing images of the forest fire.

Example

The documentary revealed a disturbing trend of rising sea levels that could threaten coastal cities within the next decade.
- comforting
- reassuring
2 interrupting or bothering (v.)
B1 Intermediate

the action of interrupting someone or moving something that should be left alone.

the present participle of 'disturb', referring to the act of interrupting rest, privacy, or settled conditions.

Example

I hope I am not disturbing you while you are trying to work.

Example

By disturbing the ancient soil layers, the construction crew inadvertently destroyed several fragile archaeological remains before the site could be surveyed.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'sorry for disturbing you'.

Word family

Verbdisturb
Noundisturbance
Adjectivedisturbed
Adjectivedisturbing