Disturbing
/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing feelings of anxiety, worry, or unease.
/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/
Causing anxiety or alarm; upsetting.
The documentary contained disturbing scenes of animal cruelty.
💡 Simply: Imagine seeing something that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, like a scary movie scene. 'Disturbing' is like that; it upsets you and makes you feel unsettled.
👶 For kids: Something that makes you feel yucky or scared inside is disturbing.
More Examples
The news reported disturbing trends in the economy.
The silence was more disturbing than any sound.
How It's Used
"The therapist described the patient's disturbing thoughts."
"The details of the crime were deeply disturbing."
"The film contained disturbing imagery."
The action of interrupting or interfering with something.
/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/
Present participle of 'disturb'.
The dog was disturbing the peace.
💡 Simply: When you are doing something and someone is interrupting you or making you feel uncomfortable, that is disturbing.
👶 For kids: When you are doing something and someone is interrupting you.
More Examples
The loud music was disturbing the neighbors.
How It's Used
"He is disturbing the peace by making too much noise."
"The hikers were disturbing the natural environment."
Idioms & expressions
disturb the peace
To act in a way that disrupts public order or tranquility.
"The loud party disturbed the peace and the neighbors called the police."
From Middle English distourben, from Old French destourber, from Latin disturbare (“to throw into confusion, trouble”), from dis- (“apart, away”) + turbare (“to disturb, agitate”).
The word 'disturbing' has been used since the 14th century to describe things that cause disruption or unease. Its usage has remained relatively consistent over time.
Memory tip
Think of a 'turbulent' situation – something that disturbs the peace and makes you feel uneasy.