perturb

play

verb per·turb \pər-ˈtərb\

Definition of perturb

transitive verb
1 : to cause to be worried or upset : disquiet
2 : to throw into confusion : disorder
3 : to cause to experience a perturbation

perturbable

play \pər-ˈtər-bə-bəl\ adjective

See perturb defined for English-language learners

See perturb defined for kids

Examples of perturb in a Sentence

It perturbed him that his son was thinking about leaving school.
the caller's strange remark perturbed me enough to keep me awake that night

Recent Examples of perturb from the Web

Fosse finally put his foot down with that one perturbing fan request.

— janie mccauley, chicagotribune.com, "For many major leaguers, the fan mail piles up for months," 5 July 2017
The (maybe) Giant and Señorita Dido, apparently perturbed by what looks like the birth of the evil spirit BOB, appear to send a figure of goodness and light to earth.

— vanityfair.com, "Twin Peaks: Trying to Make Sense of the Show’s Most Bonkers Episode," 26 June 2017
The (maybe) Giant and Señorita Dido, apparently perturbed by what looks like the birth of the evil spirit BOB, appear to send a figure of goodness and light to earth.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Twin Peaks: Trying to Make Sense of the Show’s Most Bonkers Episode," 26 June 2017
For months, the startling image of the lurid leader marching down the Mall has perturbed the public.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "Trump’s “Special Relationship” Just Got More Complicated," 12 June 2017
Trump, in Comey's telling, was perturbed at the rumor and even suggested Comey and the FBI investigate it to disprove it.

— z. byron wolf, CNN, "Is James Comey a showboat? Maybe. Does it matter? No.," 8 June 2017
I'm deeply perturbed by how this process has played out.

— NOLA.com, "Alums don't want math, science school name change. Why won't legislators listen?: Letter," 2 June 2017
Frank ultimately agrees with Usher in a meeting, perturbing Stamper even further.

— ethan renner, baltimoresun.com, "'House of Cards' Season 5, Episode 9 recap: Four more years," 2 June 2017
Trump’s information-sharing with Russia may not perturb some US allies that are more focused on garnering US support for other priorities.

— howard lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "What Trump's intelligence-sharing with Russia may have cost the US," 16 May 2017

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

Did You Know?

With its per- prefix, perturb meant originally "thoroughly upset", though today the word has lost most of its intense edge. Perturb and perturbation are often used by scientists, usually when speaking of a change in their data indicating that something has affected some normal process. When someone is referred to as imperturbable, it means he or she manages to remain calm through the most trying experiences.

Origin and Etymology of perturb

Middle English, from Middle French perturber, from Latin perturbare to throw into confusion, from per- + turbare to disturb — more at turbid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of perturb

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

PERTURB Defined for English Language Learners

perturb

play

verb

Definition of perturb for English Language Learners

: to cause (someone) to be worried or upset

PERTURB Defined for Kids

perturb

play

verb per·turb \pər-ˈtərb\

Definition of perturb for Students

perturbed

;

perturbing

: to disturb in mind : trouble greatly

Word Root of perturb

The Latin word turba, meaning “disorder,” gives us the root turb. Words from the Latin turba have something to do with disorder. To disturb is to cause disorder to something or to someone's feelings. To perturb, or trouble, is to cause disorder to someone's mind. Anything turbulent is in a state of violence or disorder.