Dis-tŭrb'ance, n.
n. [It. disturbanza. See DISTURB.]
- An interruption of a state of peace; derangement of the regular course of things; disquiet; disorder; as, a disturbance of religious exercises; a disturbance of the galvanic current.
- Confusion of the mind; excitement of emotion; perplexity; uneasiness. “Any man . . . in a state of disturbance and irritation.” Burke.
- Agitation in the body politic; public commotion; tumult; violent disorder.
The disturbance was made to support a general accusation against the province. Bancroft. 4. (Law.) The hindering or disquieting of a person in the lawful and peaceable enjoyment of his right; the interruption of a right; as, the disturbance of a franchise, of common, of ways, and the like. Blackstone. Syn.—Tumult; brawl; disorder; derangement; agitation; confusion; commotion; perturbation.