IPA

Dictionary definition of perturb

To worry, unsettle, or disrupt someone, usually in a significant or prolonged way.

"Construction noises perturb the peaceful ambiance of our neighborhood."

Detailed meaning of perturb

It can be used to describe a state of being mentally or emotionally disturbed or unsettled, or to refer to something that causes such a state. For example, one might say that a person is perturbed by a difficult situation or that an event has perturbed the natural balance of an ecosystem.

In physics, perturbation theory is a method used to analyze the behavior of a system that is slightly different from an exactly solvable one, by breaking the different contributing factors into small and simple parts, which can be studied individually.

In general, it implies that there is a problem or an disturbance, something or someone that is disrupting or altering a situation or a system, and it could also imply that the disruption or alteration is significant or potentially harmful, or it could have long lasting effect.

Example sentences of perturb

1. Loud noises perturb my concentration when I am reading.
2. Interruptions perturb the flow of a well-planned meeting.
3. Abrupt changes in routine can perturb a child's sense of security.
4. Sudden market fluctuations perturb the economy and unsettle investors.
5. Small variations in temperature perturb the results of this sensitive experiment.
6. Such rumors perturb the harmony of our team.

History and etymology of perturb

The verb 'perturb' originates from the Latin word 'perturbare,' which is a combination of 'per,' meaning 'thoroughly,' and 'turbare,' meaning 'to disturb' or 'to throw into disorder.' In its early Latin usage, 'perturbare' conveyed the idea of thoroughly disturbing or agitating something, often in a disruptive or unsettling manner. Over time, this word made its way into English, retaining its essence of causing significant or prolonged worry, unsettlement, or disruption. Therefore, when we use the term 'perturb' in modern English, we are invoking its ancient Latin roots, emphasizing the notion of thoroughly disturbing or unsettling someone or something, often with lasting consequences.

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Further usage examples of perturb

1. His blatant disregard for rules can perturb the class.
2. The cat's sudden movement will perturb the sleeping dog.
3. Misinformation can perturb public understanding of important issues.
4. Unforeseen variables perturb the accuracy of our predictive models.
5. Negative comments can perturb a person's self-confidence.
6. Irregularities in the patient's heartbeat perturb the doctor's diagnosis.
7. Constant revisions perturb the progress of the project.
8. Flashing lights perturb some individuals with sensory sensitivity.
9. The thought of public speaking can perturb even the most composed individuals.
10. Abrupt changes in diet can perturb your digestion.
11. Harsh chemicals can perturb the balance of natural ecosystems.
12. Excessive noise can perturb wildlife in a serene environment.
13. Unexpected visitors perturb the solitude I prefer when working from home.
14. The unexpected news began to perturb her deeply.
15. His constant criticism continued to perturb their friendship.
16. The looming deadline started to perturb the team's focus.
17. Uncertainty about the future can perturb even the strongest minds.
18. Persistent noise outside the window perturbed her concentration.
19. The sudden change in plans seemed to perturb everyone.
20. Financial instability can significantly perturb one's life.
21. The ongoing conflict in the region continues to perturb peace.
22. The eerie silence in the haunted house began to perturb him.
23. Unexpected delays in the project began to perturb the client.
24. The unresolved mystery continued to perturb the detective's thoughts.