student asking question

What's the difference between "disrupt" and "disturb"? Are they interchangeable?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

In this context, the two verbs have similar meanings! To disturb means to interrupt the calm, quiet, or peaceful environment or state of things. This can be through loud sounds or sudden movements. Meanwhile, to disrupt something means to throw an activity or something into disorder or chaos. Because teaching is an activity, "disrupt" has been used here. If the students were quietly reading by themselves, "disturb" would be more appropriate. Ex: A sudden car honk disturbed the peace. Ex: A troublemaking student disrupted the teacher's lesson.

Popular Q&As

04/17

Complete the expression with a quiz!