1. To throw into disorder or confusion; to derange; to interrupt the settled state of; to excite from a state of rest. Preparing to disturb With all-cofounding war the realms above. Cowper. The bellow's noise disturbed his quiet rest. Spenser. The utmost which the discontented colonies could do, was to disturb authority. Burke.
2. To agitate the mind of; to deprive of tranquillity; to disquiet; to render uneasy; as, a person is disturbed by receiving an insult, or his mind is disturbed by envy.
3. To turn from a regular or designed course. [Obs.] And disturb His inmost counsels from their destined aim. Milton.
Syn. — To disorder; disquiet; agitate; discompose; molest; perplex; trouble; incommode; ruffle.
DISTURB
Dis*turb", n.
Defn: Disturbance. [Obs.] Milton.
DISTURBANCE
Dis*turb"ance, n. Etym: [OF. destorbance.]
1. An interruption of a state of peace or quiet; derangement of the regular course of things; disquiet; disorder; as, a disturbance of religious exercises; a disturbance of the galvanic current.
2. Confusion of the mind; agitation of the feelings; perplexity; uneasiness. Any man . . . in a state of disturbance and irritation. Burke.
3. Violent agitation in the body politic; public commotion; tumult. The disturbance was made to support a general accusation against the province. Bancroft.