dɪˈstɚbəns
plural disturbances
1
a
: something that stops you from working, sleeping, etc. : the act of disturbing someone or something
She doesn't want any more disturbances while she is studying.
She suffered from frequent sleep disturbances. [=disruptions]
He reacts badly to disturbance of his daily routine.
b
: a change in the position, arrangement, or order of something
Fish are able to detect even slight disturbances in the water.
Disturbance of the river's sediment causes cloudy water.
2
: violent or noisy behavior especially in public
Neighbors called the police to report a disturbance.
They were arrested for creating/causing a disturbance.
He was arrested for disturbance of the peace. [=behaving in a violent or noisy way in public]
3
: an unhealthy physical or mental condition in which something is not normal
heart rhythm disturbances
visual/emotional/mental disturbances
The violence that soldiers experience in war can lead to emotional disturbance in later years.
Cite this Entry
“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disturbance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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