Disturbed
/dɪˈstɜːrbd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo interrupt the normal course or arrangement of; to throw into disorder; to upset.
/dɪˈstɜːrbd/
To interrupt the normal function or arrangement of something.
The wind disturbed the leaves on the trees.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to concentrate on a puzzle, but someone keeps knocking the pieces off the table. That's disturbing the puzzle! It's interrupting something that's supposed to be left alone.
👶 For kids: To make something not work right, like when you knock over someone's blocks when they're building a tower.
More Examples
Please don't disturb the arrangement of the books.
A loud noise disturbed her concentration.
How It's Used
"The loud music disturbed the neighbors."
"The experiment's results were disturbed by a power outage."
Affected with anxiety or mental agitation; troubled.
/dɪˈstɜːrbd/
Feeling or showing anxiety or mental agitation.
She was visibly disturbed by the scene of the accident.
💡 Simply: Picture someone looking worried or upset. If they're feeling bothered or stressed, you could say they're disturbed. Like if someone is feeling uneasy about a scary movie they just watched.
👶 For kids: Feeling a little bit worried or like something is not right.
More Examples
The child appeared disturbed after witnessing the argument.
He was disturbed about the upcoming exam.
How It's Used
"The patient seemed disturbed by the news of her diagnosis."
"He had a disturbed look on his face after the argument."
From Middle English *distourben*, from Old French *destourber* ('to disturb, disrupt'), from *des-* (expressing removal or negation) + *tourber* ('to trouble, confuse'), of uncertain origin.
The word 'disturb' and its derivatives have been used since the 14th century, initially referring to disrupting peace or order.
Memory tip
Think of a domino effect; one pushed over domino disturbs all those that follow.