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perturbation

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noun per·tur·ba·tion \ ˌpər-tər-ˈbā-shən , ˌpər-ˌtər- \

Definition of perturbation

1 :the action of perturbing :the state of being perturbed
2 :a disturbance of motion, course, arrangement, or state of equilibrium; especially :a disturbance of the regular and usually elliptical course of motion of a celestial body that is produced by some force additional to that which causes its regular motion
—

perturbational

play \ˌpər-tər-ˈbā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl, ˌpər-ˌtər-\ adjective

See perturbation defined for English-language learners

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Examples of perturbation in a Sentence

  1. a perturbation in the planet's orbit

  2. in her perturbation she kept calling her son, a freshman, to see if everything was all right at college

Recent Examples of perturbation from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perturbation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of perturbation

14th century

perturbation Synonyms

Synonyms
agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, anxiety, solicitude, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry
Antonyms
unconcern
Related Words
strain, stress, tension; alarm (also alarum), anguish, consternation, desperateness, desperation, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, distraction, distress, disturbance, edginess, franticness, hand-wringing, jitters, jumpiness, panic, tremor; angst, fearfulness, torment, upset, vexation; cold feet, doubt, dread, foreboding, incertitude, misgiving, presentiment, suspense, uncertainty; compunction, qualm, scruple
Near Antonyms
calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness; comfort, consolation, relief, solace

PERTURBATION Defined for English Language Learners

perturbation

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noun

Definition of perturbation for English Language Learners

  • : a change in the normal state or regular movement of something

  • : the state of being worried or upset

Learn More about perturbation

  1. See words that rhyme with perturbation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perturbation Britannica English: Translation of perturbation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perturbation

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Examples: perturbation in a Sentence