PERTURB - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Verb

disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed

Example: She was rather perturbed by the news that her father was seriously ill

Categories: Disturb, Upset, Trouble

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Verb

disturb or interfere with the usual path of an electron or atom

Example: The electrons were perturbed by the passing ion

Categories: Deviate

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Verb

cause a celestial body to deviate from a theoretically regular orbital motion, especially as a result of interposed or extraordinary gravitational pull

Example: The orbits of these stars were perturbed by the passings of a comet

Categories: Deviate

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Verb

throw into great confusion or disorder

Example: Fundamental Islamicists threaten to perturb the social order in Algeria and Egypt

Categories: Disorder, Disarray

Synonyms

Unhinge, Throw out of kilter, Derange, Perturb, Trouble

🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "perturb" comes from Latin perturbo. It started in Old French perturber. Then it appeared in Middle English perturben.

🧩 Fun Fact

Words that pass through many languages often accumulate layers of meaning from each culture.

🎵 Words that Rhyme with Perturb