Dis*turb" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Disturbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Disturbing.] [OE. desturben, destourben, OF. destorber, desturber, destourber, fr. L. disturbare, disturbatum; dis- + turbare to disturb, trouble, turba disorder, tumult, crowd. See Turbid.] 1. To throw into disorder or confusion; to derange; to interrupt the settled state of; to excite from a state of rest.

Preparing to disturb
With all-cofounding war the realms above.

The bellow's noise disturbed his quiet rest.

The utmost which the discontented colonies could do, was to disturb authority.

2. To agitate the mind of; to deprive of tranquillity; to disquiet; to render uneasy; as, a person is disturbed by receiving an insult, or his mind is disturbed by envy.

3. To turn from a regular or designed course. [Obs.]

And disturb
His inmost counsels from their destined aim.

Syn. -- To disorder; disquiet; agitate; discompose; molest; perplex; trouble; incommode; ruffle.

Dis*turb", n. Disturbance. [Obs.] Milton.

• (transitive) to confuse or irritate a quiet, constant state or a calm, continuous flow, in particular: thoughts, actions or liquids.
       The noisy ventilation disturbed me during the exam.
       The performance was disturbed twice by a ringing mobile phone.
       A school of fish disturbed the water.
  
• (intransitive) to have a negative emotional impact; to cause emotional irritation or confusion.
       A disturbing film that tries to explore the mind of a serial killer.
       His behaviour is very disturbing.