Disturbing

/dɪˈstɜːbɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to interrupt the normal continuity of; to interfere with.
Please do not disturb me while I'm working on this important project.
to cause someone to be worried or upset.
The strange noises outside the window disturbed him during the night.
adjective
causing anxiety or worry; upsetting.
The disturbing news about the environmental destruction affected everyone in the community.
unsettling or disconcerting; likely to cause a sense of discomfort.
The movie contained several disturbing scenes that were hard to watch.
making it difficult to think clearly or feel at ease.
Her disturbing behavior was a cause for concern among her friends.

Etymology

from Old French "destorber", from Latin "disturbare"

Common Phrases and Expressions

disturbing the peace
causing a disruption in a calm environment
disturbing news
news that causes worry or concern
disturbing behavior
actions that are alarming or unacceptable

Related Words

disturb
to interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of something
unsettling
causing anxiety or unease
disruptive
causing or tending to cause disruption

Slang Meanings

creepy
That movie was so disturbing, it felt creepy.
heavy
The topic was heavy and pretty disturbing.