Definition of the word disturb

The word "disturb" has a rich history. The verb comes from the Old French "distrurber," which is derived from the Latin "disturbare." "Disturbare" is a combination of "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "away") and "turbari" (meaning "to trouble" or "to upset"). In Latin, "disturbare" meant "to trouble, to disquiet, or to hinder." The word "disturb" entered the English language in the 14th century and initially retained its Latin meaning. Over time, its connotation evolved to include a sense of causing harm or interrupting something, such as "to disturb someone's peace" or "to disturb a peaceful environment." Today, "disturb" can also be used figuratively, implying a disruption to one's thoughts or emotions, as in "I was disturbed by the news." Throughout its history, the word "disturb" has maintained its core meaning of causing unease or disruption.