disturb - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
disturb Word Meanings
- to interfere with someone's peace or comfort
- to interrupt the normality of a situation
- to cause anxiety or worry
disturb Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
disturb Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪsˈtɜːb/
US
/dɪsˈtɜrb/
disturb Word Etymology
dis- = apart; turb = disturb. Originating from Latin 'disturbare' > Old French 'destourber' > English 'disturb'. Imagine someone shaking a peaceful pond, creating ripples and chaos in the calm water.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift my weight to settle into the chair. A door creaks and a voice breaks the room's quiet, disturbing the calm I built. I adjust my posture and try to hold my breath, hoping to keep the moment steady. The scene changes, turning from easy routine to alert, and I feel how a small push of sound can move a plan off its rails.
Real Context
Disturb means to interrupt someone’s peace, comfort, or concentration, often by an unwelcome noise, action, or event. It can refer to interfering with a routine or expected order, as when a loud construction project disturbs residents. It also describes causing anxiety or worry by introducing uncertainty, fear, or bad news. The verb is transitive: you disturb someone or something; the noun form is disturbance. Disturb is broader than simple annoyance and is often used in formal or legal phrases like 'disturb the peace' or 'disturb the sleeping child.' Think of dropping a stone into a calm pond and watching the ripples spread, upsetting what was steady.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Disturb is used when someone’s peace, sleep, or concentration is interrupted, not just mild irritation.
- 2) It requires a direct object (disturb someone) or can describe events that disrupt a situation (disturb the meeting).
- 3) The noun form is disturbance; use it to name the interruption itself.
- 4) Common collocations include 'disturb the peace', 'disturb someone's sleep', 'disturb the balance'.
- 5) Disturb is not the same as 'annoy' in every context; context matters and tone can be formal.
Common Misconceptions
- Disturb does not mean confuse; it means interrupt or disrupt peace or order.
- It does not always imply intentional harm; accidents or unexpected events can disturb people.
- It is not identical to annoy or bother in every context; dist urb emphasizes interruption more than irritation.
- Disturb the peace is a fixed legal phrase; not every disruption is a legal disturbance.
- Disturb has forms for different meanings (disturbed, disturbing) that change the nuance.
Thinking Differences
English tends to frame disturbance as a disruption of peace, routine, or concentration, often with formal or legal nuance. Learners may overuse synonyms like annoy or bother or misplace the object to a person not the situation.
Learning Tips
- Compare with bother/annoy to pick the right nuance.
- Learn the common collocations: disturb the peace, disturb sleep, disturb the balance.
- Practice with both active and passive forms: disturbs, disturbed, disturbing, disturbed.
- Use the noun disturbance to name the interruption itself.
- Create mini scenarios: a noisy room, a interrupted meeting, a rumor disturbing plans.
- Note the legal/formal contexts where disturb is preferred.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'disturb'?
A.To clean
B.To celebrate
C.To disrupt
D.To invent
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'disturb' used correctly?
A.She decided to help her friend and disturb the problem.
B.The party was great, nothing could disturb our joy.
C.Please do not disturb the sleeping baby.
D.He disturbed a new way to solve the puzzle.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'disturb'?
A.Upset
B.Comfort
C.Calm
D.Quiet
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'disturb'?
A.Ignore
B.Soothe
C.Focus
D.Peace
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would you use the word 'disturb'?
A.At a noisy party
B.When organizing your closet
C.During a peaceful meditation session
D.While reading a book
Related Listening
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