Words / B1

di-STURB/dɪˈstɜːb/

To disturb is to interrupt someone, or to upset a place or person: do not disturb; disturb the peace. Interrupting is everyday for people. Disturbing is the adjective. Do not mix with distribute. Exam halls: do not disturb candidates.

Meaning

To interrupt someone; also to upset a place or a person.

Examples

• “Please do not disturb candidates during the listening paper.”
• “Works will disturb residents at night, which is why a licence was needed.”

Good to know

disturb someone / the peace / a habitat. Sign: Do not disturb. Adjective: disturbing. Mix-up: distribute. Noise: disturb residents.

Near in meaning

interrupt

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