Spanish word

turbar

Pronunciation

IPA/tuɾˈβaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbupset

Example

Su comentario me turba.

His comment upsets me.

Illustration for turbar (upset)

More examples

No quiero turbar a nadie con esto.

I don't want to disturb anyone with this.

Core concept

Sudden upset of emotional composure.

Common phrases

  • turbar a alguien

    disturb someone

  • turbar el sueño

    interrupt sleep

  • turbar los planes

    derail the plans

Similar words

inquietar: Cause anxious, restless worry that makes someone feel uneasy.
incomodar: Produce physical discomfort or social awkwardness, leaving someone ill at ease.
perturbar: Break mental peace and produce deep emotional disturbance.
alterar: Alter a person's mood or state, leaving them unsettled or agitated.

Definition in Spanish

Causa que alguien se sienta perturbado, inquieto o desconcertado; suele aparecer en su forma pronominal turbarse para indicar la reacción interna.

Word origin

Borrowed from Latin turbāre 'to disturb', with a core sense of physical disorder that extended metaphorically to feelings and mental confusion.

Usage tips

  • More common in literary or formal registers than in everyday speech, so expect speakers to choose simpler expressions in casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • alarmverb
  • botherverb
  • confuseverb

Opposites

Related words

  • turbaciónperturbationnoun
  • turbadorunsettlingadjective

Word lists with this word