disturbing
UK: dɪˈstɜːbɪŋ | US: dɪˈstɜːrbɪŋ
adj. causing anxiety or unease; unsettling
adj. interrupting the normal flow or peace of something
The word "disturbing" originates from Latin disturbare, combining dis- (apart) and turbare (to agitate or throw into disorder). The root turb- is also seen in words like "turbulent" and "perturb," reflecting chaos or disruption. Over time, "disturb" evolved in Middle English to mean "to interrupt peace," with the suffix -ing forming its present participle/adjective form. The logic traces back to the idea of "breaking apart calmness," which aligns with its modern meaning of causing unease.
The documentary presented disturbing footage of the natural disaster.
His lack of response was deeply disturbing to his friends.
The disturbing noise from the construction site kept us awake all night.
She found the movie’s ending particularly disturbing.
Disturbing rumors about the company’s finances began to circulate.