adj · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
UK:/dɪsˈtɜː.bɪŋ/
US:/dɪsˈtɝ.bɪŋ/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɜː(ɹ)bɪŋ
CMU ARPABET:D IH0 S T ER1 B IH0 NG
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Causing distress or worry; upsetting or unsettling.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
A disturbing film that tries to explore the mind of a serial killer.
His behaviour is very disturbing.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
verb
Meaning 2
present participle and gerund of disturb
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adjective satellite
Meaning 3
causing distress or worry or anxiety
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
distressing (or disturbing) news
lived in heroic if something distressful isolation
