disturbed

Very worried or upset by something unpleasant.

• I felt disturbed by the news.
• She looked visibly disturbed after the meeting.
• We were deeply disturbed to hear about the accident.

How to use it: disturbed by something (She was disturbed by the violent images.); disturbed at something (They were disturbed at the lack of safety checks.)

Similar words: alarmed, shocked, upset

Opposites: untroubled

Common phrases: deeply disturbed, disturbed by something, visibly disturbed

Having serious mental or emotional problems that affect behavior.

• The clinic supports emotionally disturbed children.
• He seemed deeply disturbed and needed professional care.
• The nurse stayed with the disturbed patient.

Similar words: troubled, mentally ill

Common phrases: emotionally disturbed, deeply disturbed, disturbed patient

Changed from its original position or condition, often by movement or damage.

• Seeds grew in the disturbed soil.
• The disturbed layers suggested someone had dug there.
• Researchers compared disturbed habitats with untouched forest.

Similar words: altered, disrupted

Opposites: undisturbed

Common phrases: disturbed soil, disturbed ground, disturbed habitat