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 verb 1 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