B2verb 1K

Disturb

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈstɜːb/","/dɪˈstɜːbz/","/dɪˈstɜːbd/","/dɪˈstɜːbɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈstɜːrb/","/dɪˈstɜːrbz/","/dɪˈstɜːrbd/","/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Disturb

to interrupt somebody when they are trying to work, sleep, etc.

In simple words: to interrupt or bother someone

Disturb in a sentence

• Please do not disturb me while I am working on this project.
• The loud noise outside began to disturb the children’s concentration.
• The documentary revealed how human activity can disturb natural habitats.
• She didn’t want to disturb the peace in the quiet library.
• It’s common for sudden changes in weather to disturb sleep patterns.
• The discovery of the old letters disturbed his understanding of the family history.
• The unexpected news disturbed him deeply.

How to use Disturb

Use 'disturb' when someone is interrupted. It can sound rude if you say it while someone is working or focusing.

Grammar pattern

disturb + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'stir' in a 'burb' (neighborhood) that's noisy.

Related words

Collocations with Disturb

• disturb the peace
• disturb someone
• disturb the flow

Synonyms for Disturb

• interrupt
• bother
• disrupt
• upset
• agitate

Opposites of Disturb

• calm
• soothe
• pacify

Common mistakes with Disturb

• Confuse with 'interrupt' – they are similar but not the same.
• Use 'disturb' with 'to' – it's used directly with an object (e.g., disturb her, not disturb to her).

Frequently asked questions about Disturb

What does Disturb mean?

to interrupt or bother someone

What is the definition of Disturb?

to interrupt somebody when they are trying to work, sleep, etc.

How do you use Disturb in a sentence?

Please do not disturb me while I am working on this project.

Can you give another example of Disturb?

The loud noise outside began to disturb the children’s concentration.

What are synonyms for Disturb?

Common alternatives include interrupt, bother, disrupt, upset, agitate.

What is the opposite of Disturb?

Opposite meanings include calm, soothe, pacify.

What words go with Disturb?

It commonly pairs with disturb the peace, disturb someone, disturb the flow.

What are common mistakes when using Disturb?

Confuse with 'interrupt' – they are similar but not the same. Use 'disturb' with 'to' – it's used directly with an object (e.g., disturb her, not disturb to her).

How do you pronounce Disturb?

US: /["/dɪˈstɜːrb/","/dɪˈstɜːrbz/","/dɪˈstɜːrbd/","/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈstɜːb/","/dɪˈstɜːbz/","/dɪˈstɜːbd/","/dɪˈstɜːbɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Disturb?

Use 'disturb' when someone is interrupted. It can sound rude if you say it while someone is working or focusing.

What CEFR level is Disturb?

"Disturb" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.