Perturb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ
perturb
[pษหtษหb ]
Definitions
feeling
To make someone feel anxious or unsettled.
Synonyms
disconcert, disturb, unsettle, upset.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perturb |
This word is often used to describe a situation where someone is made anxious or unsettled by something unpredictable or unusual.
|
| disturb |
Used to describe actions or events that interfere with someone's peace, privacy, or concentration. This word often carries a slightly negative connotation.
|
| unsettle |
This word is suitable for describing a situation where someone is made to feel anxious or worried due to instability or unpredictability.
|
| upset |
This word implies causing someone emotional distress or annoyance. It has a more personal and emotional touch.
|
| disconcert |
This word indicates causing someone to feel confused, embarrassed, or unsettled, especially due to something unexpected.
|
Examples of usage
- The constant noise from the construction site perturbed the residents of the neighborhood.
- Her sudden change in behavior perturbed her friends.
physics
To alter the normal state or motion of (a celestial body).
Synonyms
alter, change, disrupt, disturb.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perturb |
Usually used in more formal or scientific contexts to indicate a disturbance or disruption in a system. It can imply causing anxiety or worry in a person.
|
| disrupt |
Often used in technology or business contexts to describe significant interruptions or disturbances that affect normal operations. It has a stronger connotation than 'disturb'.
|
| disturb |
Typically used to indicate causing a mild inconvenience, interruption, or discomfort, often in everyday social contexts.
|
| alter |
Used when referring to making small or moderate adjustments or modifications to something.
|
| change |
A general term used in a variety of situations to indicate that something is becoming different.
|
Examples of usage
- The gravitational pull of the moon perturbs the orbit of the Earth.
- The comet's close approach to Jupiter perturbed its trajectory.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling perturbed can trigger the fight or flight response in the brain due to perceived threats.
- Over time, chronic perturbation can lead to stress-related illnesses like anxiety and hypertension.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy often addresses feelings of perturbation, helping individuals manage their responses.
Science
- In physics, to perturb something means to slightly alter its state, such as in the motion of celestial bodies.
- Perturbation theory is a method used in quantum mechanics to approximate the behavior of quantum systems.
- Astronomers use perturbation techniques to predict the movement of planets and their interactions with other celestial objects.
Pop Culture
- In movies and literature, characters often experience perturbation before significant plot twists, enhancing drama.
- Musical compositions sometimes aim to perturb listeners through unexpected changes in rhythm or harmony.
- Classic literature often explores the theme of perturbation, with characters grappling with internal conflicts.
Literature
- In Shakespeareโs plays, characters frequently express feelings of perturbation during moments of crisis.
- Modern poetry often reflects on the theme of emotional perturbation as a catalyst for personal growth.
- The portrayal of mental disturbance in literature helps readers empathize with the complexities of human experiences.
Origin of 'perturb'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'perturbare,' which means 'to confuse or disturb.'
- Its roots can be broken down: 'per-' meaning 'through' and 'turbare,' which means 'to disturb.'
- The term has been in use in the English language since the late 14th century.
The word 'perturb' has its origins in the Latin word 'perturbare', which means 'to throw into confusion'. It first appeared in English in the late 14th century. Over the centuries, 'perturb' has been used to describe the act of disturbing or unsettling someone or something. In the field of physics, it is used to describe the alteration of the normal state or motion of a celestial body.
See also: imperturbable, perturbed, perturbing, unperturbed.