Disturbance
/dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn event that interrupts a peaceful or orderly situation; an interruption, disruption, or agitation.
/dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
An interruption of a peaceful or orderly situation.
The loud construction was a disturbance to the residents.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to read a good book, but suddenly, your little brother starts banging on pots and pans. That banging is a *disturbance* – something that bothers you and interrupts your peace and quiet!
👶 For kids: When something is noisy or messy and makes it hard to be calm, that's a disturbance.
More Examples
The police were called to quell a public disturbance.
The sudden power outage caused a major disturbance in the city's traffic flow.
How It's Used
"The loud music was a disturbance to the neighbors."
"Police were called to the scene of a public disturbance."
"Anxiety can cause disturbances in sleep patterns."
A state of mental or emotional agitation or unrest; a feeling of being troubled or anxious.
/dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
A state of mental or emotional unrest or agitation.
The therapist helped him cope with his emotional disturbances.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really worried about something and can't stop thinking about it. That worried feeling, that mental unrest, is also a *disturbance*. It's like your mind is a little bit messy and not peaceful.
👶 For kids: When you feel worried or upset, that can be a disturbance inside you.
More Examples
The medication helped to reduce the patient's sleep disturbance.
The news caused a wave of emotional disturbance throughout the community.
How It's Used
"She experienced a significant emotional disturbance after the trauma."
"The patient showed signs of a sleep disturbance."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *distourbaunce*, from Old French *destourbance* (noun), derived from the verb *destourber* ('to disturb'), from Latin *disturbare* ('to throw into disorder').
The word 'disturbance' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a disruption of peace or order.
Memory tip
Think of a storm; it causes a disturbance by disrupting the calm.
Word Origin
"to disturb, throw into confusion"