Perturbed

Perturbed describes a state of feeling anxious or unsettled; bothered or distressed. It signifies a disruption of one's calm or composure, often by a particular event, thought, or situation. The degree of perturbation can vary, ranging from mild unease to considerable distress. It often involves a sense of being thrown off balance mentally or emotionally, leading to difficulties in clear thinking or maintaining one's equilibrium. This emotional state can be triggered by factors both internal and external, encompassing everything from a sudden loud noise to the contemplation of a serious problem. The core of the term revolves around the interruption of tranquility and a movement away from a state of peace and stability.

Perturbed meaning with examples

• The detective was noticeably perturbed when he saw the evidence tampered with at the crime scene. His face was creased with worry, and he kept muttering under his breath about the potential implications for the case. The altered evidence threatened to derail all his investigation efforts, making the chances of identifying the true culprit more difficult and potentially impossible to find, leaving him to feel uncertain.
• When she received the unexpected rejection letter, Sarah was clearly perturbed. She had poured her heart into the application and the thought of failure loomed over her. The rejection shattered her confidence, causing a wave of self-doubt and anxiety to wash over her. She found herself questioning her abilities and whether she was on the right path, a feeling she couldn't shake despite her attempts to.
• The sudden cancellation of the trip perturbed the travelers who had been planning it for months. They had invested time and money, and the abrupt change disrupted their carefully laid out plans. Frustration mixed with a sense of disappointment, and many found themselves scrambling to make alternative arrangements, adding to the stress of the situation and a feeling of having been left behind.
• Even though she had experience handling difficult clients, the rude behavior of the customer perturbed the customer service representative. She had tried her best to remain calm, but the constant stream of insults and unreasonable demands made her feel uneasy. Eventually, she had to pass him on to her manager because it was affecting her confidence in her work and ability to perform.