disturbance

n. [ OF. destorbance. ] 1. An interruption of a state of peace or quiet; derangement of the regular course of things; disquiet; disorder; as, a disturbance of religious exercises; a disturbance of the galvanic current. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Confusion of the mind; agitation of the feelings; perplexity; uneasiness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Any man . . . in a state of disturbance and irritation. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Violent agitation in the body politic; public commotion; tumult. [ 1913 Webster ]

The disturbance was made to support a general accusation against the province. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

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; commotion; turmoil; uproar; hubbub; disorder; derangement; confusion; agitation; perturbation; annoyance. [ 1913 Webster ]