Perturbed
/pərˈtɜrbd/
adjectiveB2past participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Perturbed describes a state of being upset or troubled by something. When a person is perturbed, they feel uneasy or disturbed inside, often because of a problem or a surprising event. It is stronger than just being a little worried.
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See It in Action
Feeling worried or upset about something
- •She was perturbed by the strange noise in the house.
- •The teacher looked perturbed when the students did not understand the lesson.
- •He felt perturbed after hearing the bad news about the project.
Disturbed or unsettled mentally or emotionally
- •The sudden change in plans left him perturbed and confused.
- •Many people were perturbed by the unexpected announcement.
- •The noise outside perturbed the baby, making it cry.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "perturbed" like "worried," but more serious and deeper inside your feelings.
- ✓Picture a calm lake suddenly having many small waves because something disturbed it.
- ✓It's the feeling when you get bad news and your mind feels unsettled or shaken.
- ✓Sounds like "per-TURBED" → imagine a bird disturbed by a sudden noise, flying nervously.
- ✓In stories, a character who is perturbed often looks confused or anxious, like before a big problem.
- ✓NOT like "calm" (peaceful), "perturbed" means your peace is broken.
- ✓NOT like "angry" (strong feeling against someone), "perturbed" is more about worry and confusion.
- ✓NOT like "surprised" (just a quick reaction), "perturbed" lasts longer and makes you uneasy.
Try Other Words
- •Disturbed: mentally upset or troubled (Use when the feeling is about mental discomfort or confusion)
- •Uneasy: feeling not comfortable or safe (Use when the feeling is more about nervousness or discomfort)
- •Upset: emotionally unhappy or worried (Use when emotions are more active or sad)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "per-" (through, thoroughly) + root "turb" (from Latin "turbare" meaning to disturb or confuse) + suffix "-ed" (past participle form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "perturbare," meaning to disturb or throw into confusion
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century in English to describe mental disturbance or confusion
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe feelings of worry, disturbance, or emotional upset, often in formal or literary contexts
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you felt perturbed? What caused that feeling?
•How is being perturbed different from being simply worried or upset in your own experience?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was perturbed because the meeting ___ changed without any notice.
2.The loud noise outside ___ the baby, making it cry loudly.
3.Unlike being slightly worried, feeling perturbed means you are ___ disturbed inside.
4.When the teacher was perturbed, she ___ to explain the difficult topic again.
5.People were perturbed ___ the sudden news about the weather.
6.He tried to stay calm, but the strange message ___ him deeply.
7.Feeling perturbed often happens when something ___ your usual peace or routine.