Disturbance, n.
Etymology: [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.
2. Confusion of the mind; agitation of the feelings; perplexity; uneasiness. Any man . . . in a state of disturbance and irritation. Burke.
3. Violent agitation in the body politic; public commotion; tumult. The disturbance was made to support a general accusation against the province. Bancroft.
4. (Law)
2 more senses
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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for disturbance; he lists it under anxiety, perplexity, storm.
Where he writes about it:
A storm is properly a disturbance of the atmosphere, with or without rain, snow, hail, or thunder and lightning. — from storm
We speak of agitation of feeling, disturbance of mind, a storm of passion, a tempest of rage. — from storm