Langimage
English

disturb

|dis/turb|

B2

🇺🇸

/dɪˈstɜrb/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈstɜːb/

interruption or disorder

Etymology
Etymology Information

'disturb' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'disturbare,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'turbare' meant 'to throw into disorder.'

Historical Evolution

'disturbare' transformed into the Old French word 'destourber,' and eventually became the modern English word 'disturb' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to throw into disorder,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to interrupt or unsettle.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to interrupt the quiet, rest, peace, or order of; unsettle.

Please do not disturb the sleeping baby.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to interfere with; to bother or pester.

The noise from the construction site disturbed my concentration.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35