disturb
UK: dɪˈstɜːb | US: dɪˈstɜːrb
vt. to interrupt the normal arrangement or functioning of something
vt. to cause someone to feel anxious or unsettled
vt. to interfere with someone's activity or peace
The word "disturb" originates from Latin disturbare, combining dis- (apart) and turbare (to agitate). It originally described physically scattering or disrupting order (e.g., a crowd). Over time, it expanded to abstract disruptions, such as mental unease or interrupting activities. The core logic ties "agitation" (turb) to "breaking apart" (dis-), reflecting both physical and emotional disturbance.
Loud noises outside disturbed my concentration.
Please do not disturb the documents on my desk.
The news of the accident deeply disturbed her.
He was fined for disturbing the peace.
The wind disturbed the surface of the lake.