Disturbing: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when something causes a strong feeling of worry or concern, often due to its shocking, frightening, or disconcerting nature.

• The documentary revealed some disturbing facts about pollution.

This word is used when something causes a feeling of unease or discomfort, often due to unfamiliarity or uncertainty.

• The strange noises in the old house were unsettling.

This word is used when something causes worry or anxiety, often due to ongoing issues or underlying problems.

• The decline in student performance is troubling for educators.

This word is used when something causes emotional distress or sadness, often due to disappointment or hurtful situations.

• He found the news of his friend's accident deeply upsetting.

This word is used when something causes a sudden feeling of fear or worry, usually due to an immediate threat or danger.

• The rapid increase in crime rates is quite alarming.

Used when something causes emotional or mental discomfort, often conveying a sense of alarm or concern.

• The movie's disturbing scenes kept me awake all night.
• The news report was deeply disturbing.

Appropriate when an activity or process is broken or thrown into disorder, tending to stop or hinder progress.

• The protestors' chants disrupted the meeting.
• Heavy snowfall can disrupt public transportation.

Suitable for situations where someone or something halts a conversation, action, or event momentarily.

• Please do not interrupt me while I'm speaking.
• The phone call interrupted our dinner.

Applies when something causes someone to feel anxious, uncertain, or worried, without necessarily being overtly disturbing.

• The unexpected changes unsettled the employees.
• The eerie silence unsettled everyone in the room.

Used when someone unwelcome enters a space or situation, often carrying a negative connotation of invasion of privacy.

• I didn't mean to intrude, but the door was open.
• Her questions were seen as an attempt to intrude on their private matters.