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disturbance

dis-TER-buns /dɪˈstɜːrbəns/

nounB1

generalformal

The interruption of peace, quiet, or order; an act of disturbing.

This is a broad term for any disruption. It can be minor (a loud noise) or significant (a public riot), but it always implies a break in tranquility or normal functioning.

The story behind the word. The word 'disturbance' comes from the Latin verb 'disturbare,' meaning 'to throw into disorder, to upset.' This root combines 'dis-' (apart, away) with 'turbare' (to stir, agitate), which also gives us words like 'turbulent.' English adopted 'disturb' in the 13th century, and 'disturbance' followed, referring to an act that breaks peace or order. It's a versatile word, applicable to everything from a minor interruption to a major public upheaval.

Word relationships

commotion: A noisy disturbance or uproar, often implying a lot of movement and activity.
disruption: An interruption of an event, activity, or process, often implying a break in continuity.

peace: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
calm: A state of peacefulness and absence of disturbance.

Commonly confused with

disorderly conduct: Disorderly conduct is a legal charge for specific behaviors that cause a disturbance. Disturbance is the general effect or event itself.

Word family

disturb (verb): to interrupt the peace, quiet, or order of; to bother
disturbing (adjective): causing anxiety or uneasiness; unsettling

Collocations

public disturbance
domestic disturbance
cause a disturbance
report a disturbance

Example sentences

"Neighbors reported a disturbance late at night, prompting a police visit." The loud music caused a disturbance in the quiet neighborhood.
"The sudden disturbance in the crowd led to a temporary halt in the parade." The meeting was interrupted by a political disturbance.

Memory hook

A 'DISTURBANCE' is when something 'DISTURBS' the peace. Breaks the peace

When not to use

While broad, 'disturbance' is generally used for external, often unexpected, interruptions. Don't use it for internal feelings of unease (e.g., 'emotional disturbance' is a different sense).

Fun facts

The term 'domestic disturbance' is a common police call, referring to conflicts within a household.
In physics, a 'disturbance' can refer to a deviation from an equilibrium state, showing the word's broad applicability beyond social contexts.

Explore more words

disruption, disquiet, interrupt, tranquil, fracas, altercation