disturb

[ dih-sturb ]
/ dɪˈstɜrb /

verb (used with object)

to interrupt the quiet, rest, peace, or order of; unsettle.
to interfere with; interrupt; hinder: Please do not disturb me when I'm working.
to interfere with the arrangement, order, or harmony of; disarrange: to disturb the papers on her desk.
to perplex; trouble: to be disturbed by strange behavior.

verb (used without object)

to cause disturbance to someone's sleep, rest, etc.: Do not disturb.

Origin of disturb

1175–1225; Middle English disto(u)rben, disturben < Anglo-French disto(u)rber, desturber < Latin disturbāre to demolish, upset, equivalent to dis- dis-1 + turbāre to confuse

OTHER WORDS FROM disturb

dis·turb·er, noun pre·dis·turb, verb (used with object)

Example sentences from the Web for disturb

British Dictionary definitions for disturb

disturb
/ (dɪˈstɜːb) /

verb (tr)

to intrude on; interrupt
to destroy or interrupt the quietness or peace of
to disarrange; muddle
(often passive) to upset or agitate; trouble I am disturbed at your bad news
to inconvenience; put out don't disturb yourself on my account

Derived forms of disturb

disturber, noun

Word Origin for disturb

C13: from Latin disturbāre, from dis- 1 + turbāre to confuse