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Disturb vs Distort - What's the difference?

disturb | distort |

In transitive terms the difference between disturb and distort

is that disturb is to divert, redirect, or alter by disturbing while distort is to give a false or misleading account of.

In obsolete terms the difference between disturb and distort

is that disturb is disturbance while distort is distorted; misshapen.

As a noun disturb

is disturbance.

As an adjective distort is

distorted; misshapen.

disturb

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • to confuse 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.
  • to divert, redirect, or alter by disturbing.
    • A mudslide disturbed the course of the river.
    The trauma disturbed his mind.
  • * Milton
    • disturb his inmost counsels from their destined aim
  • to have a negative emotional impact; to cause emotional distress or confusion.
    • A disturbing film that tries to explore the mind of a serial killer.
    His behaviour is very disturbing .

    Derived terms

    * disturbance

    Noun

  • (obsolete) disturbance
    • (Milton)

    distort

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To bring something out of shape.
  • (ergative) To become misshapen.
  • To give a false or misleading account of
    • In their articles, journalists sometimes distort the truth.

    Related terms

    * distorted (pos a) * distortion

    Derived terms

    * distorter

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) distorted; misshapen
  • * Spenser
    • Her face was ugly and her mouth distort .