Synonyms for

Disturb

Verb / dɪˈstɜ:b / Another word for disturb — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to interrupt someone's peace or quietness

Synonyms & similar words

agitate trouble upset raiseup commove stirup shakeup touch interrupt vex bother upset trouble annoy disrupt irritate unsettle agitate ruffle fluster disquiet perturb derange frazzle jolt spoil hassle nag

Synonyms by register

Formal

disrupt perturb agitate molest

Informal

bother annoy bug hassle mess with

Literary

disquiet trouble vex

Antonyms

calm soothe quiet pacify settle reassure comfort

Common collocations

  • disturb the peace
  • disturb someone's sleep
  • disturb the surface
  • disturb the balance
  • disturb the order
  • disturb the investigation
  • disturb the natural habitat

Word family

noun disturbance
verb disturb
adjective disturbing

Usage note

Often used to describe actions that interrupt peace, quiet, or normal functioning. Can imply causing distress or annoyance.

Example sentences

  1. The dog barking outside disturbed my concentration on my homework.
  2. I don't want to disturb my little brother while he's sleeping.
  3. The phone ringing constantly can disturb the peaceful atmosphere of a library.
  4. The loud thunderstorm disturbed our picnic plans.
  5. Please don't disturb the plants while they're growing.

Quotes

  • We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. - Albert Einstein
  • To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. - Tony Dorsett
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill

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