to disturb

Examples

• All

• He accidentally disturbed the soil while trying to plant the flowers.

• Please do not disturb the wildlife while hiking in the preserve.

• Because you might disturb the trees and the fish in the lake.

  Camping Trip (2021)

• Then if you disturb them, they rock back and forth.

• Some animal must have disturbed the birds or something.

  Jungle Woman (1944)

• Good afternoon and apologies for disturbing your Saturday.

• Don't disturb the crime scene.

  A Guy Thing (2003)

• The video camera was set up in a location where it would not disturb the children's play.

  Academic text (2015)

• I'm sorry, I know it's an intrusion, I just didn't want to disturb you at home.

  The Company You Keep (2012)

• The loud music disturbed everyone in the library during study hours.

Synonyms

M

to mess

vsto disturb

• Informal

∞ 4.2

To handle something in a way that causes damage or problems

implies actual movement or harm to the thing rather than mere mishandling

I

to interfere

vsto disturb

487 3.5

To get involved in a situation and make things not work as they should

often involves directly moving or harming things rather than mere involvement

D

to disrupt

vsto disturb

269 4.4

To interrupt normal activity and cause disorder

tends to involve direct physical interference or damage, not only interruption

T

to tamper

vsto disturb

113 4.9

To interfere with something without permission in a harmful or dishonest way

is similar but emphasizes physical moving or damaging rather than intent

U

to upset

vsto disturb

57 3.0

Make something fall over or move out of place

is more physical, moving or damaging items rather than only changing balance

A

to agitate

vsto disturb

9 4.1

To move or shake something to mix it

is broader, covering physical harm or interference beyond simple stirring

D

to disorder

vsto disturb

7 5.5

To make something untidy or not in its usual order

is broader, including physical interference and possible damage as well

D

to deray

vsto disturb

• Archaic

9.9

To disturb a meeting or event and make it not work as planned

often implies direct physical interference or harm beyond mere disruption

C

to commove

vsto disturb

• Archaic

9.9

To disturb people or things

focuses more on physical movement or damage to objects than agitation

P

to play hob

vsto disturb

• Archaic

9.9

To cause problems and confusion in a plan or system

is more about physically moving or damaging items than just causing trouble

Antonyms

C

calm

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

How Disruptive

to damage

885 1.4

to disrupt

269 4.4

to disturb

97 2.1

to nudge

33 3.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology