disturbance meaning and definition

DISTURBANCE noun

Definition of disturbance (noun)

1. activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
   • "the term `distress' connotes some degree of perturbation and emotional upset"; "he looked around for the source of the disturbance"; "there was a disturbance of neural function"
   • synonyms: perturbation
2. an unhappy and worried mental state
   • "there was too much anger and disturbance"; "she didn't realize the upset she caused me"
   • synonyms: perturbation, upset
3. a disorderly outburst or tumult
   • "they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused"
   • synonyms: commotion, disruption, flutter, hoo-ha, hoo-hah, hurly burly, kerfuffle, to-do
4. a noisy fight
   • synonyms: affray, fray, ruffle
5. the act of disturbing something or someone; setting something in motion
6. (psychiatry) a psychological disorder of thought or emotion; a more neutral term than mental illness
   • synonyms: folie, mental disorder, mental disturbance, psychological disorder
7. electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
   • synonyms: interference, noise