disturbs

7 definitions • 8 examples

to interrupt what someone is doing:

Please don't disturb your sister - she's trying to do her homework.

I'm sorry to disturb you so late, but my car's broken down and I don't have my phone with me.

to break the law by behaving unpleasantly and noisily in public:

Several fans were arrested and charged with disturbing the peace after the game.

to cause someone to be worried or upset:

Some scenes are violent and may disturb younger viewers.

to move or change something from its usual position, arrangement, condition, or shape:

The thief had disturbed the documents in her filing cabinet, but nothing had been taken.

to cause someone to stop what the person is doing, or to interrupt an activity:

Please don’t disturb Jimmy – he’s trying to do his homework.

to cause someone to feel troubled or upset:

This year’s election campaign has disturbed a lot of voters who don’t like either candidate.

to move or change something from its usual position or arrangement:

Be careful not to disturb anything.