Meaning & Definition of word "Perturb"

Perturb

/pərˈtɜrb/

verb:

  • 1. to disturb or disquiet greatly in mind; unsettle.
    • Example: The sudden news of the accident seemed to perturb everyone at the gathering.
  • 2. to cause (a system, process, etc.) to deviate from its normal state.
    • Example: The scientist was concerned that the experiment might perturb the natural balance of the ecosystem.
  • 3. to throw into confusion or disorder.
    • Example: The unexpected changes in the schedule began to perturb the students.

Etymology

Late Middle English, from Latin 'perturbare', from 'per-' (through) + 'turbare' (to disturb)

Common Phrases and Expressions

perturb the peace:

To disturb a tranquil situation.

perturb someone's mind:

To cause someone to feel anxious or troubled.

perturb the status quo:

To disrupt the existing state of affairs.

Related Words

disturb:

To interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning.

unsettle:

To cause to feel anxious or uneasy.

Slang Meanings of perturb

Meaning: To mess with someone's head.

Example Sentence: That movie really perturbed me, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Meaning: To throw off someone's groove.

Example Sentence: Don't perturb my vibe, I'm trying to chill.