noun

disturbance

dih-STUR-buns/dɪˈstɜːrbəns/

A disruption of a normal or peaceful state.

Nearby construction creates a disturbance for people reading quietly outdoors.

Loud construction disrupts peaceful outdoor readers.

Etymology

disLatincompletely

+turbLatinto throw into disorder

+anceOld Frenchaction or state

The pieces name an act or state of throwing things into disorder. The noun first described mental distress, then also public agitation and interruptions of peace—the broader disruption expressed by this sense.

In context

Amoeba Sisters4:35

But then we had a disturbance…an ecological disturbance…like a forest fire, a flood, a tornado.

Ecological Succession: Nature's Great Grit

More examples

Please leave quietly to avoid causing a disturbance.
The repairs cause only a minor disturbance to our routine.
Even a small disturbance can wake the baby.

Forms

disturbance · disturbances

disturb verb — To interrupt normal activity or peace.

disruptive adjective — Causing interruptions to normal activities or order.

Similar words

disruption: Emphasizes interference with an activity, process, or routine.
interruption: Specifically marks a break in something that is continuing.
commotion: Suggests noisy confusion or excitement involving people or movement.