dis‧turb W3 / dɪstɜb $ -ɜrb / 动词 [及物动词]

1 interrupt to interrupt someone so that they cannot continue what they are doing :

Sorry to disturb you , but I have an urgent message.

The thieves fled when they were disturbed by a neighbour.

Do not disturb (= a sign you put on a door so that people will not interrupt you ) .

2 worry to make someone feel worried or upset :

What disturbs you most about this latest development?

3 move to move something or change its position :

If you find a bird’s nest, never disturb the eggs.

I promise not to disturb anything .

4 change to change a normal situation in a way that causes problems :

My hormone balance is disturbed by my pregnancy.

New procedures often disturb the comfortable habits of the workforce.

5 disturb the peace law to behave in a noisy and unpleasant way in public

COLLOCATIONS

名词

disturb somebody’s sleep Local people said their sleep was being disturbed by the noise from the aircraft.

disturb somebody’s concentration I couldn’t work with the kids around disturbing my concentration.

disturb somebody’s thoughts A gentle knock on the door disturbed his thoughts.

短语

sorry to disturb you spoken (= said to apologize for interrupting what someone is doing ) Sorry to disturb you, but could you sign this letter, please?

THESAURUS

when someone is doing something

interrupt [不及物和及物动词] to stop someone from continuing to do something : Miss Danziger apologised for interrupting their enjoyment of their meal. | My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. | His interview was interrupted by a call from the President.

disturb to interrupt someone when they are trying to work, sleep etc : The sign on the door said ‘Do not disturb. Meeting in progress’. | I hope I’m not disturbing you. Do you want me to come back later? | Her sleep was disturbed by a violent hammering on the door.

bother to interrupt someone, especially by asking questions when they are trying to do something else : ‘I’m very sorry to bother you,’ Jackson said smoothly, ‘but I’d like a few minutes of your time.’ | You mustn’t bother him - he’s working on his essay.