disquiet

1 of 3

verb

dis·​qui·​et (ˌ)dis-ˈkwī-ət 

disquieted; disquieting; disquiets

transitive verb

: to take away the peace or tranquility of : disturb, alarm

were disquieted by recent events

disquieting adjective

disquietingly

(ˌ)dis-ˈkwī-ə-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

disquiet

2 of 3

noun

: lack of peace or tranquility : anxiety

great disquiet among shareholders

disquiet

3 of 3

adjective

archaic

: uneasy, disquieted

disquietly adverb

Synonyms of disquiet

Verb

• concern
• alarm
• worry
• disturb
• anger
• bother
• distract
• distress
• unsettle
• discomfort
• upset
• agitate
• dismay

Noun

• turmoil
• unrest
• unease

Choose the Right Synonym for disquiet

discompose, disquiet, disturb, perturb, agitate, upset, fluster mean to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action.

discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

Examples of disquiet in a Sentence

Verb

we were disquieted by the strange noises we heard outside our tent at night

Noun

There is increasing public disquiet about the number of violent crimes in the city.

a period of disquiet before the results of the close election were confirmed

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Her images of ice blocks, lush fabrics, cherries, sea animals, and charred hearts are disquieting in the best way and well worth trekking to Santa Monica to witness in person. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026

To say that Nicholas did not share his father’s politics is an understatement, but much of his bibliography can be seen as a reckoning with his father’s unsettling career in politics and disquieting legacy. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026

Noun

While Russians have shown some signs of mounting disquiet over the effects of the Kremlin’s war, authorities have sought to showcase the state’s determination to see the fight to its conclusion. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026

Cumming hinted at ongoing global disquiet without going too far or getting too pointed. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Additionally, her former schoolmate, who is now an activist nun, brings disquiet to the community when she is stranded there while returning the remains of a former nun, a murder victim. —The Know, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

There is no question that disquiet over the economy is driving voter discontent about Trump. —Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disquiet

• panchayat
• unquiet
• diet
• guyot
• piet
• quiet
• riot

Kids Definition

disquiet

1 of 2 verb

dis·​qui·​et (ˈ)dis-ˈkwī-ət 

: to make uneasy or restless : disturb

disquietingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb

disquiet

2 of 2 noun

: an uneasy feeling