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Disturb vs Disrupt - What's the difference?

disturb | disrupt |

Disrupt is a synonym of disturb.



In transitive terms the difference between disturb and disrupt

is that disturb is to divert, redirect, or alter by disturbing while disrupt is to interrupt or impede.

In obsolete terms the difference between disturb and disrupt

is that disturb is disturbance while disrupt is torn off or torn asunder; severed; disrupted.

As a noun disturb

is disturbance.

As an adjective disrupt is

torn off or torn asunder; severed; disrupted.

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)

    disrupt

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To throw into confusion or disorder.
  • To interrupt or impede.
  • *{{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-19, author= Ian Sample
  • , volume=189, issue=6, page=34, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Irregular bedtimes may affect children's brains , passage=Irregular bedtimes may disrupt healthy brain development in young children, according to a study of intelligence and sleeping habits.  ¶ Going to bed at a different time each night affected girls more than boys, but both fared worse on mental tasks than children who had a set bedtime, researchers found.}}
  • To improve a product or service in ways that displaces an established one and surprises the market.
  • The internet makes it easier for leaner businesses to disrupt the larger and more unwieldy ones.

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Torn off or torn asunder; severed; disrupted.