disturbance

dis-turb-ance · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The interruption of a settled and peaceful condition.

  2. 2.

    A breakdown of peaceful and law-abiding behavior; a riot or commotion.

  3. 3.

    (Psychology/Medicine) A disruption of normal mental or physical functioning.

  4. 4.

    An alteration to the normal state of something.

Forms

plural: disturbances

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Cause a disturbance — To create disorder or commotion.
  • •
    Public disturbance — Disorderly behavior in a public place.
  • •
    Sleep disturbance — Problems with sleeping.
  • •
    Atmospheric disturbance — Disruption in weather patterns.

Related words

Antonyms: calm, order, peace, quiet
See also: commotion, disruption, disturb
Synonyms: commotion, disorder, disruption, interruption

Etymology

From Latin disturbare ("to throw into disorder") + suffix -ance. Entered English in the 13th century via Old French.