A disturbance is like a problem that stops things from being calm.
Imagine you are sleeping, and a loud noise wakes you up. That loud noise is a disturbance.
Or, if people are shouting in the street, that is also a disturbance because it is noisy and not peaceful.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
The word "disturbance" is a versatile noun that describes an interruption to peace, quiet, or routine, or a disruptive public situation. To better understand how and when to use "disturbance," let's explore some similar words and their nuances.
- DEFINITION
- An unwanted event that disrupts normal activities or creates disorder.
When talking about a general interruption, "disturbance" is often a good choice. It's quite broad and can apply to many situations.
The loud music from next door was a constant disturbance to my studies.
However, there are other words you might choose depending on the specific type of interruption or disorder you want to convey.
Interruption: This is very close to "disturbance" when referring to a break in continuity. "Interruption" often suggests a temporary stop or break, while "disturbance" can imply a more chaotic or bothersome event.
We had a brief interruption in power during the storm.
Noise: If the disturbance is purely auditory, "noise" is a more specific and accurate term.
The constant construction noise made it hard to concentrate.
Commotion: This word suggests a more lively and perhaps confusing disturbance, often involving people. It implies a noisy and excited activity.
There was a great commotion in the street after the accident.
Disorder: This word emphasizes a lack of order or organization, and can refer to a more widespread or serious breakdown of peace or routine. It suggests a state of confusion or messiness.
The room was in complete disorder after the party.
Riot: When the disturbance is violent and involves a large group of people, "riot" is the appropriate term. This is a much more severe form of public disturbance.
The police were called to control the riot in the city center.
When to use "disturbance":
"Disturbance" is a good general word when you want to convey that something is bothering or interrupting peace, quiet, or a normal activity. It's less specific than "noise" or "commotion" but more general than "riot." It's particularly useful when you don't want to specify the exact nature of the interruption, or when it encompasses several elements (e.g., both noise and movement).
In summary, while words like "interruption," "noise," "commotion," "disorder," and "riot" offer more specific details about the nature of the disruption, "disturbance" remains a useful and commonly understood term for a general upset of peace or order. Choose your word carefully to best reflect the intensity and characteristics of the event you are describing.
Examples by Level
The loud music from next door was a real disturbance.
เสียงเพลงดังจากข้างบ้านเป็นสิ่งรบกวนจริงๆ
A 'real disturbance' emphasizes the intensity.
We heard a disturbance in the street late last night.
เราได้ยินเสียงรบกวนบนถนนเมื่อคืนนี้ดึกๆ
Using 'a disturbance' as a general term for trouble or noise.
Please try not to cause any disturbance during the meeting.
โปรดพยายามอย่าก่อกวนระหว่างการประชุม
'Cause a disturbance' is a common phrase.
The sudden loud noise created a disturbance in the library.
เสียงดังกระทันหันทำให้เกิดความวุ่นวายในห้องสมุด
'Created a disturbance' indicates something causing the interruption.
There was a small disturbance at the concert, but it ended quickly.
มีความวุ่นวายเล็กน้อยที่คอนเสิร์ต แต่มันจบลงอย่างรวดเร็ว
'A small disturbance' shows the issue wasn't severe.
He doesn't like any disturbance when he is working.
เขาไม่ชอบให้มีสิ่งรบกวนเมื่อเขากำลังทำงาน
'Any disturbance' means he wants complete quiet.
The police were called to deal with a public disturbance.
ตำรวจถูกเรียกให้จัดการกับความวุ่นวายในที่สาธารณะ
'A public disturbance' refers to trouble in a public place.
I hope there won't be any disturbance during the ceremony.
ฉันหวังว่าจะไม่มีสิ่งรบกวนระหว่างพิธี
'Any disturbance' here means anything that could interrupt.
The construction work outside caused a constant disturbance, making it difficult to concentrate on my studies.
การก่อสร้างด้านนอกทำให้เกิดความวุ่นวายอย่างต่อเนื่อง ทำให้ยากต่อการมีสมาธิในการเรียน
Here, 'disturbance' refers to something that interrupts peace or quiet. It's used as a countable noun.
There was a minor disturbance in the crowd after the concert, but it was quickly brought under control by security.
มีความไม่สงบเล็กน้อยในฝูงชนหลังคอนเสิร์ต แต่เจ้าหน้าที่รักษาความปลอดภัยได้ควบคุมสถานการณ์ได้อย่างรวดเร็ว
In this context, 'disturbance' refers to a noisy or slightly chaotic situation. It's also used as a countable noun.
Any sudden noise can be a disturbance to someone trying to sleep.
เสียงดังกระทันหันใดๆ อาจเป็นสิ่งที่รบกวนการนอนหลับของใครบางคน
Here, 'disturbance' is a general term for something that disrupts peace. It can be used both countably and uncountably depending on the specific situation.
The police were called to investigate a disturbance reported at the local pub late last night.
ตำรวจถูกเรียกไปสอบสวนเหตุความไม่สงบที่ผับท้องถิ่นเมื่อคืนนี้
'A disturbance' here refers to a specific incident of disruption or disorder, often implying some form of public unrest.
She found the constant ringing of her phone a major disturbance during her meditation session.
เธอพบว่าเสียงโทรศัพท์ที่ดังไม่หยุดเป็นสิ่งรบกวนอย่างมากระหว่างการทำสมาธิ
This use of 'disturbance' highlights its meaning as something that interrupts regular activity or peace. It's a countable noun here.
The unexpected arrival of guests created a slight disturbance in their carefully planned schedule.
การมาถึงของแขกที่ไม่คาดคิดทำให้เกิดความปั่นป่วนเล็กน้อยในตารางเวลาที่พวกเขาวางแผนไว้อย่างรอบคอบ
Here, 'disturbance' refers to an interruption or disruption to a plan or routine. It's used as a countable noun.
He was reprimanded for causing a disturbance in the library by speaking loudly on his phone.
เขาถูกตำหนิฐานก่อความวุ่นวายในห้องสมุดด้วยการพูดเสียงดังทางโทรศัพท์
'Causing a disturbance' is a common idiom meaning to create an unruly or disruptive situation. It's a countable noun.
Despite the severe weather disturbance, the flight managed to land safely.
แม้จะมีความปั่นป่วนจากสภาพอากาศที่รุนแรง เที่ยวบินก็สามารถลงจอดได้อย่างปลอดภัย
In this case, 'disturbance' refers to a meteorological event that disrupts normal conditions, often implying a storm or adverse weather. It's a countable noun.
Test Yourself 30 questions
The loud music from next door caused a major ___ in my studies.
A 'disturbance' is something that interrupts peace or quiet, which fits the context of loud music interrupting studies.
There was a small ___ in the crowd after the announcement.
A 'disturbance' can refer to a noisy or slightly chaotic situation in a public place, like a crowd reacting to an announcement.
Please try not to cause any ___ during the movie.
Causing a 'disturbance' during a movie means interrupting the peace or quiet for others.
The unexpected storm created a ___ in our travel plans.
A 'disturbance' can refer to something that interrupts regular activity, like a storm affecting travel plans.
The children's loud games were a constant ___ to the sleeping baby.
Loud games would interrupt the baby's peace and quiet, making them a 'disturbance'.
The police were called to deal with a ___ outside the shop.
Police are typically called to handle a 'disturbance', which implies a noisy or disruptive situation in public.
Think about what kind of place a library is and what loud music would do.
Consider why police would be involved and what a 'public disturbance' suggests.
What impact would ongoing construction noise have on someone trying to focus?
Read this aloud:
Can you describe a time when you experienced a disturbance that interrupted your peace or quiet?
Focus: disturbance
You said:
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Read this aloud:
What are some common causes of disturbances in public places, and how can they be prevented?
Focus: prevented
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are trying to study for an important exam, but there's a loud disturbance. How would you handle it?
Focus: handle it
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen for what caused the disturbance.
Consider the location of the disturbance.
Identify what interrupted the person's work.
Read this aloud:
The unexpected construction noise outside became a significant disturbance to our meeting.
Focus: disturbance
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Can you describe a time when a disturbance interrupted your plans?
Focus: interrupted
You said:
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Read this aloud:
What measures can be taken to prevent public disturbances in crowded areas?
Focus: prevent
You said:
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This sentence describes a situation where loud music disrupted the peace of a neighborhood.
This sentence uses 'disturbance' to refer to a noisy or potentially violent public situation.
Here, 'disturbance' refers to an interruption of a stable state, in this case, an ecosystem.
Write a paragraph describing a time when a minor disturbance escalated into a significant issue, and reflect on what could have been done to de-escalate the situation. Use the word 'disturbance' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I once witnessed a minor disagreement over a parking spot quickly escalate into a heated shouting match, causing a significant disturbance in an otherwise quiet neighborhood. What started as a simple misunderstanding about who arrived first soon devolved into personal insults and threats. I believe if one of the individuals had taken a moment to step back and suggest finding an alternative parking space, or if an impartial bystander had calmly intervened, the situation could have been easily de-escalated. This incident served as a stark reminder of how quickly small disturbances can spiral out of control without effective communication and a willingness to compromise.
Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a recent public disturbance. Write a short news report detailing the events, their impact on the community, and any measures taken to restore order. Ensure you use sophisticated vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A localized disturbance erupted in the city's central plaza last evening, causing considerable disruption to evening commuters and local businesses. Eyewitnesses reported a spontaneous gathering that quickly devolved into a confrontational demonstration, fueled by a nascent political movement. Police intervention was swift and measured, aiming to disperse the crowd without further exacerbating tensions. The repercussions of this incident include temporary road closures and a heightened police presence, as authorities strive for pacification and to prevent any further outbreaks of unrest. Community leaders have called for dialogue to address the underlying grievances that led to the initial disturbance.
You are a character in a novel reflecting on a personal disturbance that significantly altered the course of your life. Describe the event and its lasting psychological effects. Focus on introspective language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The sudden, inexplicable disturbance in my meticulously planned life – a betrayal by a trusted confidante – sent an upheaval through my very core. It wasn't merely an external event; it was a profound internal turmoil that resonated deeply, altering the very fabric of my perception. The immediate repercussion was a pervasive sense of mistrust, casting a long shadow over subsequent relationships. In the years that followed, this singular disturbance initiated a slow, arduous metamorphosis within me, forcing an uncomfortable but ultimately necessary introspection into my vulnerabilities and resilience. Even now, the echoes of that moment continue to shape my cautious approach to intimacy and commitment.
According to the passage, what is the primary consequence of urban fox activities for residents?
Read this passage:
The nocturnal activities of the urban fox, often seen as a charming facet of city wildlife, can paradoxically contribute to considerable domestic disturbance. Residents frequently report overturned bins, scattered refuse, and the unsettling sounds of territorial disputes as foxes forage and interact. While these occurrences are generally considered minor inconveniences, their cumulative effect can lead to a pervasive sense of disorder and frustration amongst the populace. Local councils grapple with finding humane and effective strategies to mitigate these disturbances without resorting to measures that might harm the animals.
According to the passage, what is the primary consequence of urban fox activities for residents?
The passage explicitly states that 'While these occurrences are generally considered minor inconveniences, their cumulative effect can lead to a pervasive sense of disorder and frustration amongst the populace.' The other options are either misinterpretations or secondary details.
The passage explicitly states that 'While these occurrences are generally considered minor inconveniences, their cumulative effect can lead to a pervasive sense of disorder and frustration amongst the populace.' The other options are either misinterpretations or secondary details.
What is the primary role of interferometers in the context of gravitational disturbances?
Read this passage:
In astrophysics, a 'gravitational disturbance' refers to a perturbation in the gravitational field, often caused by the movement or interaction of massive objects. These disturbances propagate as gravitational waves, carrying energy through spacetime. Detecting these elusive waves requires incredibly sensitive instruments, such as interferometers, which can measure minute changes in the fabric of space. The study of gravitational disturbances offers profound insights into phenomena like black hole mergers and the early universe, opening new avenues for understanding the cosmos.
What is the primary role of interferometers in the context of gravitational disturbances?
The passage states, 'Detecting these elusive waves requires incredibly sensitive instruments, such as interferometers, which can measure minute changes in the fabric of space.' This directly answers the question about their primary role.
The passage states, 'Detecting these elusive waves requires incredibly sensitive instruments, such as interferometers, which can measure minute changes in the fabric of space.' This directly answers the question about their primary role.
Which of the following is NOT presented as a potential cause of a 'market disturbance'?
Read this passage:
The concept of 'market disturbance' in economics describes any event or factor that significantly disrupts the normal functioning and equilibrium of a market. This can range from sudden shifts in consumer demand to geopolitical events that impact supply chains, or even technological innovations that render existing products obsolete. The consequences of such disturbances can be far-reaching, leading to price volatility, unemployment, and even economic recession if not effectively managed. Policymakers often intervene with fiscal and monetary measures to stabilize markets in the wake of significant disturbances.
Which of the following is NOT presented as a potential cause of a 'market disturbance'?
The passage lists 'sudden shifts in consumer demand,' 'geopolitical events that impact supply chains,' and 'technological innovations that render existing products obsolete' as causes of market disturbance. A 'gradual increase in consumer savings' would typically be a more stable, long-term trend rather than a sudden disruption, and is not mentioned as a cause of disturbance.
The passage lists 'sudden shifts in consumer demand,' 'geopolitical events that impact supply chains,' and 'technological innovations that render existing products obsolete' as causes of market disturbance. A 'gradual increase in consumer savings' would typically be a more stable, long-term trend rather than a sudden disruption, and is not mentioned as a cause of disturbance.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Example
There was a disturbance outside.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Social words
abanthropate
C1Describes a state of being removed from, or having lost, the essential qualities and characteristics of humanity. It is often used in philosophical or literary contexts to describe a person or entity that has transcended or been alienated from the human condition.
abhospence
C1A rare or formal term describing the state or act of lacking hospitality, or the deliberate withdrawal of a welcoming attitude towards guests or outsiders. It refers to a cold, inhospitable atmosphere or a specific instance where a host fails to provide expected comforts or kindness.
abjudtude
C1The state or quality of being formally rejected, cast off, or disowned through an authoritative or judicial decision. It refers to a condition of absolute renunciation where a person or entity is stripped of their previous status or rights.
abphobship
C1A formal adjective describing a systemic and deep-seated aversion to institutional hierarchies or organized authority figures. It is frequently applied in sociological and organizational contexts to describe individuals or movements that intentionally distance themselves from formal power structures.
abstinence
B2Abstinence is the practice of voluntarily refraining from satisfying an appetite or craving, most commonly for alcohol, food, or sexual activity. It often implies a conscious, self-imposed choice to avoid certain behaviors for health, religious, or moral reasons.
abtactship
C1The state or quality of being detached from physical contact or tangible interaction, often used in theoretical or philosophical contexts to describe non-tactile relationships. It refers to a condition where one is removed from the immediate physical presence of an object or person.
abtrudship
C1To forcefully impose one's leadership, authority, or specific set of rules onto a group without their consent or prior consultation. It describes the act of thrusting a structured way of doing things upon others in a dominant or intrusive manner.
abvictious
C1To strategically yield or concede a minor position or advantage in order to ensure a greater ultimate victory. It describes a sophisticated form of success achieved through intentional, calculated loss or withdrawal.
abvolism
C1The philosophical or psychological practice of intentionally distancing oneself from established social norms, family structures, or institutional obligations to achieve total individual autonomy. It characterizes a state of detachment where an individual 'flies away' from conventional expectations to live according to purely personal principles.
acceptance
B2Acceptance is the act of agreeing to an offer, plan, or invitation, or the process of being received into a group or society. It also refers to the willingness to tolerate a difficult situation or the state of being approved by others.
