B2verb1K

Disturb

UK /["/dɪˈstɜːb/","/dɪˈstɜːbz/","/dɪˈstɜːbd/","/dɪˈstɜːbɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈstɜːrb/","/dɪˈstɜːrbz/","/dɪˈstɜːrbd/","/dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

In simple words: to interrupt or bother someone

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • disturb the peace
  • disturb someone
  • disturb the flow

Synonyms

  • interrupt
  • bother
  • disrupt
  • upset
  • agitate

Antonyms

  • calm
  • soothe
  • pacify

Common mistakes

  • 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).