disturbance

[dih-stur-buhns]

noun

1. the act of disturbing. disturbing.

2. the state of being disturbed. disturbed.

   Synonyms: confusion, perturbation

3. an instance of this; commotion.

   Antonyms: order

4. something that disturbs.

5. an outbreak of disorder; a breach of public peace.

   Political disturbances shook the city.

   Synonyms: riot, tumult, confusion

6. Meteorology.,  any cyclonic storm or low-pressure area, usually a small one.

7. Geology.,  a crustal movement of moderate intensity, somewhat restricted in area.

disturbance

/ dɪˈstɜːbəns /

noun

1. the act of disturbing or the state of being disturbed

2. an interruption or intrusion

3. an unruly outburst or tumult

4. law an interference with another's rights

5. geology

   1. a minor movement of the earth causing a small earthquake

   2. a minor mountain-building event

6. meteorol a small depression

7. psychiatry a mental or emotional disorder

Other Word Forms

• nondisturbance noun
• predisturbance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disturbance¹

1250–1300; Middle English disto ( u ) rbance < Anglo-French, Old French. See disturb, -ance

Synonym Study

See agitation. See disorder.

Example Sentences

India's weather agency said the floods are being caused by the repeated interactions between monsoon currents and weather systems like westerly disturbances.

From BBC

"Climate change, disturbance to ocean layers and extreme weather are all threats," explains co-author Prof Angus Atkinson from Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

From BBC

Ampthill Town Council raised concerns about noise and light pollution, especially from firework and drone displays, but the parks documents downplay the potential disturbances.

From BBC

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra had to stop its 2011 recital twice due to a disturbance by demonstrators.

From BBC

He ordered every state to train soldiers on “quelling civil disturbances,” and to have soldiers ready to rapidly mobilize in case of protests.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brawl 
• confusion 
• disorder 
• disruption 
• eruption 
• explosion 
• fracas 
• interruption 
• riot 
• shock 
• storm 
• tremor 
• turmoil 
• upheaval 
• uprising 
• violence