perturb Hear it!

perturb definition

per·turb (pər tʉrb′)

transitive verb

  1. to cause to be alarmed, agitated, or upset; disturb or trouble greatly
  2. to cause disorder or confusion in; unsettle
  3. Astron. to cause perturbations in (the orbit of a planet, moon, etc.)

Etymology: ME perturben < MFr perturber < L perturbare < per-, intens. + turbare, to disturb: see turbid

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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