VocabDictionary

disturbed

/dɪˈstɜːrbd/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Having emotional or mental problems; anxious, troubled, or showing signs of psychological distress.

Example Sentences:
  • The counselor worked with the disturbed teenager to help him process his trauma.
  • She had a deeply disturbed expression on her face after hearing the tragic news.
2.adjective

Interrupted or unsettled in one's peace, quiet, or natural state.

Example Sentences:
  • The disturbed water in the lake reflected the jagged silhouette of the mountains.
  • We were disturbed by the loud music playing next door late at night.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “disturbed”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'disturben', which comes from the Old French 'destourber', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'disturbare' (to throw into confusion), composed of 'dis-' (apart) and 'turbare' (to agitate or disturb, from 'turba', meaning a crowd or tumult).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'dis' (bad) 'turb' (turbulence) in your mind; when things are turbulent, you are disturbed.

Frequently Asked Questions About “disturbed

1. What is the meaning of “disturbed” in English?

In English, disturbed (adjective) is defined as: “Having emotional or mental problems; anxious, troubled, or showing signs of psychological distress.”.

2. How do you use “disturbed” in a sentence?

The counselor worked with the disturbed teenager to help him process his trauma.

3. What are English synonyms of “disturbed”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “disturbed”?

Derived from the Middle English 'disturben', which comes from the Old French 'destourber', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'disturbare' (to throw into confusion), composed of 'dis-' (apart) and 'turbare' (to agitate or disturb, from 'turba', meaning a crowd or tumult).