Definition of 'perturb'
Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense perturbs
, present participle perturbing
, past tense, past participle perturbed
1. verb
[formal]
2. See also perturbed
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
You may also like
Word Frequency
perturb in British English
verb (tr; often passive)
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
perturbable (perˈturbable) adjective
perturbably (perˈturbably)
adverb
perturbing (perˈturbing)
adjective
perturbingly (perˈturbingly)
adverb
Word origin
C14: from Old French pertourber, from Latin perturbāre to confuse, from per- (intensive) + turbāre to agitate, from turba confusion
Word Frequency
perturb in American English
verb transitive
SIMILAR WORDS: disˈturb
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
perturbable (perˈturbable)
adjective
perturbedly (perˈturbedly)
adverb
perturber (perˈturber)
noun
Word origin
ME perturben < MFr perturber < L perturbare < per-, intens. + turbare, to disturb: see turbidWord Frequency
perturb in American English
(pərˈtɜːrb)
transitive verb
SYNONYMS 1. trouble. 2. confuse, addle, muddle.ANTONYMS 1. pacify.2.
to throw into great disorder; derange
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Derived forms
perturbable adjective
perturbability
noun
perturbatious (ˌpɜːrtərˈbeiʃəs)
adjective
perturbedly (pərˈtɜːrbɪdli)
adverb
perturbedness
noun
perturber or perturbator (ˈpɜːrtərˌbeitər)
noun
perturbingly
adverb
perturbment
noun
Word origin
[1325–75; ME perturben (‹ OF perturber) ‹ L perturbāre to throw into confusion, equiv. to per- per- + turbāre to disturb; see turbid]Examples of 'perturb' in a sentence
perturb
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…
Trends of
perturb
View usage for:
Source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Browse alphabetically
perturb
Source
Definition of perturb from the Collins English Dictionary
Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries.
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
FARM ANIMALS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
horse
cow
alpaca
goat
FARM ANIMALS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
goat
bull
alpaca
goose
Your score:
Word of the day
cantatrice
a female singer , esp a professional soloist
Latest Word Submissions
Intellectiquette
May 06, 2024
Diaper Donny
May 06, 2024
Printerager
May 05, 2024
malinformation
May 04, 2024
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
BUILDINGS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
fire station
police station
supermarket
school
BUILDINGS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
museum
hospital
florist
travel agent
Your score:
Learning English: Days of the week
Learn how to discuss what happens on different days of the week, whether you want to make plans for the day or talk about weekly routines.
Read more
Learning English: Going shopping
Discover some useful English expressions to use while you're out at the shops in this week's Learning English blog.
Read more
Sting-Nettle Day
We're taking a closer look at the intriguing expressions and customs that have grown up around one of the most versatile plants out there - the stinging nettle.
Read more
Learning English: Saying goodbye
Learn informal ways to say goodbye in British English - from 'Goodbye' to 'See ya!' with examples and tips for everyday use.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more