verb
disturb
dih-STURB/dɪˈstɜːrb/
To interrupt a settled state.
The child disturbs the parent's reading by tapping a shoulder.
Etymology
Here the prefix intensifies the idea of disorder rather than negating it. To disturb is to disrupt a settled condition, whether someone’s tranquility or the normal course of an activity.
In context
She randomly opened Gregor’s door one day and noticed him. Then, every day after that she would disturb him at least once.
More examples
- Please don't disturb me while I'm studying.
- The news disturbs her more than she admits.
- Digging near the fence disturbs the soil around the roots.
Forms
disturb · disturbs · disturbed · disturbing
disturbance noun — An interruption of peace or normal activity.
Similar words
- interrupt
- Emphasizes breaking the continuity of an activity or conversation.
- unsettle
- Emphasizes making someone feel anxious or less secure.