disturbance

noun

dis·​tur·​bance di-ˈstər-bən(t)s How to pronounce disturbance (audio)
plural disturbances
1
: the act of disturbing someone or something : the state of being disturbed: such as
a
: an interruption of a state of peace, quiet, or calm
His choler rose in proportion to the surprise, and, perhaps, to the disturbance of his repose.Sir Walter Scott
… a caller reported loud music causing a disturbanceSaugus (Massachusetts) Advertiser
They were charged with disturbance of the peace.
b(1)
: an interference with or alteration in a planned, ordered, or usual procedure, state, or habit
He was still suffering from this sudden disturbance of the quiet routine of his life.Arthur Conan Doyle
Impacts inflicted by mining … include … disturbance of wildlife habitat …Todd Wilkinson
(2)
: a moving out of place
Bruce was particular about his things and would notice any slight disturbance to his stuff …Tegan Quin
These latter circumstances … may, I think, be accounted for, by the disturbance of the mud at the bottom of the sea …Charles Darwin
c
: a departure from a norm or standard : a deviation, disruption, or impairment in form, function, or activity
sleep disturbances
endocrine disturbances
Once identified as having an emotional disturbance with associated behavior problems, it's considered best practice for the child to get a behavior intervention plan …Patrick Skahil and David Desroches
Identifying coronavirus' economic effects combined with other major economic disturbances requires accurate data …Bruce Yandle
2
: noisy or violent activity : commotion
Police responding to complaints of a loud disturbance in a parking lot … found 15 to 20 teenagers gathered …R. Robin McDonald
3
: a local variation from the average or normal wind conditions

Examples of disturbance in a Sentence

She doesn't want any more disturbances while she is studying. He reacts badly to disturbance of his daily routine. Fish are able to detect even slight disturbances in the water. Disturbance of the river's sediment causes cloudy water. Neighbors called the police to report a disturbance. They were arrested for creating a disturbance. The violence that soldiers experience in war can lead to emotional disturbance in later years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The source of the disturbance was just over a mile deep, experts say. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025 According to a spokesman from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which investigated the shooting, Independence police responded to a disturbance around 8 p.m. at a home in the 800 block of E. College Street in Independence. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2025 Sleep disturbances—common around menopause and other times of fluctuating estrogen levels like pregnancy—can affect a whole group of cognitive functions too, Dr. Maki explains, and hot flashes—another common menopause symptom—can also contribute to sleep issues. Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 11 Mar. 2025 But economic data lately has shown more than just a little disturbance. David Goldman, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disturbance

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disturbance was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disturbance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disturbance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

disturbance

noun
dis·​turb·​ance
dis-ˈtər-bən(t)s
1
: the act of disturbing
2
: mental confusion : upset
3
: public commotion : disorder

Medical Definition

disturbance

noun
dis·​tur·​bance dis-ˈtər-bən(t)s How to pronounce disturbance (audio)
: a deviation, disruption, or impairment in form, function, or activity
visual disturbances
disturbances of metabolism
Emotional disturbance is one of the 13 disabilities schools use to identify students who may receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, the federal special education law.Howard Weiss-Tisman, Brattleboro (Vermont) Reformer

Legal Definition

disturbance

noun
dis·​tur·​bance
: an interruption of peace or order
specifically : an interruption of the quiet enjoyment of one's property

More from Merriam-Webster on disturbance

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