What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Unsettle vs Disturb - What's the difference?

unsettle | disturb |

As verbs the difference between unsettle and disturb

is that unsettle is to make upset or uncomfortable while disturb is to confuse a quiet, constant state or a calm, continuous flow, in particular: thoughts, actions or liquids.

As a noun disturb is

(obsolete) disturbance.

unsettle

English

Verb

(en-verb)
  • To make upset or uncomfortable
  • :Don't unsettle the horses or they'll bolt.
  • *{{quote-news
    • , year=2012 , date=May 9 , author=Jonathan Wilson , title=Europa League: Radamel Falcao's Atlético Madrid rout Athletic Bilbao , work=the Guardian citation , page= , passage=Athletic have been showing signs of fatigue domestically and they never quite seemed to reach the same pitch of intensity that had so unsettled Manchester United and Schalke 04 in earlier rounds. }}
  • To bring into disorder or disarray

    • Antonyms

    *settle

    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)