perturb meaning and definition

PERTURB verb

Definition of perturb (verb)

1. disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
   • "She was rather perturbed by the news that her father was seriously ill"
   • synonyms: cark, disorder, disquiet, distract, trouble, unhinge
2. disturb or interfere with the usual path of an electron or atom
   • "The electrons were perturbed by the passing ion"
3. cause a celestial body to deviate from a theoretically regular orbital motion, especially as a result of interposed or extraordinary gravitational pull
   • "The orbits of these stars were perturbed by the passings of a comet"
4. throw into great confusion or disorder
   • "Fundamental Islamicists threaten to perturb the social order in Algeria and Egypt"
   • synonyms: derange, throw out of kilter