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Definitions

disturb

[dih-sturb] / dɪˈstɜrb /
VERB
bother, upset
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agitate alarm amaze annoy arouse astound complicate confuse depress dishearten disrupt distract excite frighten gall interrupt irk irritate outrage perplex perturb plague provoke puzzle rattle shake startle trouble unnerve unsettle vex worry
STRONG
afflict ail badger confound discompose distress fluster grieve harass interfere intrude molest muddle pain pester pique rouse ruffle tire unhinge
WEAK
burn up make uneasy shake up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist bore calm cheer clarify clear up comfort compose delight encourage enlighten exhilarate explain gladden help lull make happy order organize placate please quiet reassure soothe tranquilize
WEAK
appease arrange locate pacify sort
VERB
disorder; dislocate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confuse derange distort unsettle upset
STRONG
disarrange disarray discompose disorganize displace interfere jumble move muddle remove replace shift tamper
WEAK
foul up louse up mess up mix up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
order
STRONG
clear up compose fix leave alone organize remain stay
WEAK
appease arrange calm comfort locate pacify quiet reassure soothe sort

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

About 1am, Adusah left the hotel, telling staff not to disturb his wife.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In agreeing to hear the pair of cases, the justices did not disturb the lower court rulings that blocked the repeals for now.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

“Soaring oil prices are likely to disturb that calm, sending the yield higher,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

Titan's slightly elongated orbit can disturb inner moons when their orbital periods become simple fractions of Titan's.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

“I’m sorry to have to disturb you like this, Colonel,” Palmer said.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing disturb

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Circuit

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"The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!