disturbing

adjective

dis·​turb·​ing di-ˈstər-biŋ How to pronounce disturbing (audio)
: causing feelings of worry, concern, or anxiety
disturbing news
a disturbing discovery
The next phase in which I had a part was even more disturbing, and infinitely more painful.Bram Stoker
disturbingly adverb
disturbingly high levels of pollution
a disturbingly familiar problem
… the texture of ordinary life and talk has taken on a disturbingly ambiguous quality … Jonathan Raban

Examples of disturbing in a Sentence

a disturbing visit by the next-door neighbor while I was trying to study there was a disturbing silence as I struggled to remember her name a disturbing trend in the nation's energy consumption a disturbing pause in the normally smooth operation of the machinery
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Stories exposing the abuses of the rich and powerful have never held more resonance, as audiences become increasingly aware of the disturbing realities often lurking behind certain picture perfect images often associated with wealth and fame. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 In their cinematic debut, the Warrens investigate a disturbing possession at a remote family home in Rhode Island. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 There is a monochrome, pencil-sketch animation of soldiers menacing children in wartime, showing that the artist is not afraid of introducing a momentarily disturbing visual, amid the overall placidity. Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Oct. 2024 Indeed, Harris has surrounded herself with the same Obama and Biden-era officials with disturbing connections to the Iranian regime, and some would likely play key roles in her administration. Saul Mangel, Orange County Register, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disturbing 

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disturbing was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near disturbing

Cite this Entry

“Disturbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disturbing. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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