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.