Main Entry:: dis·turb
Pronunciation:: \di-ˈstərb\
Function:: verb
Etymology:: Middle English disturben, destourben, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French destorber, from Latin disturbare, from dis- + turbare to throw into disorder, from turba disorder — more at turbid
Date:: 14th century

transitive verb1 a: to interfere with : interrupt <disturbing the flow of traffic> b: to alter the position or arrangement of <the items on her desk had been disturbed> c: to upset the natural and especially the ecological balance or relations of <wetlands disturbed by development>2 a: to destroy the tranquillity or composure of <the noisy lawnmower disturbed their sleep> b: to throw into disorder c: alarm d: to put to inconvenience <sorry to disturb you at such a late hour>intransitive verb: to cause disturbance

synonyms see discompose

— dis·turb·er noun

— dis·turb·ing·ly

\-ˈstər-biŋ-lē\ adverb

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