Perturb: meaning, definitions and examples
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perturb
[pəˈtəːb ]
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.
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| 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.
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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 Shakespeare’s 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.
Translations
Translations of the word "perturb" in other languages:
🇵🇹 perturbar
🇮🇳 व्याकुल करना
🇩🇪 stören
🇮🇩 mengganggu
🇺🇦 збентежити
🇵🇱 zakłócać
🇯🇵 動揺させる
🇫🇷 perturber
🇪🇸 perturbar
🇹🇷 rahatsız etmek
🇰🇷 혼란스럽게 하다
🇸🇦 تشويش
🇨🇿 narušit
🇸🇰 narušiť
🇨🇳 扰乱
🇸🇮 motiti
🇮🇸 trufla
🇰🇿 мазалау
🇬🇪 შეფერხება
🇦🇿 narahat etmək
🇲🇽 perturbar