Negative connotations:
* Unsettling: Evoking a sense of unease, anxiety, or fear.
* Troubling: Causing worry, distress, or concern.
* Unpleasant: Creating a feeling of discomfort or aversion.
* Horrifying: Shocking and deeply upsetting, often evoking disgust or revulsion.
* Traumatic: Causing emotional or psychological harm, leaving a lasting negative impact.
Examples:
* "The disturbing news of the war made it hard to sleep." (Connoting worry and sadness)
* "He found the film disturbing, filled with graphic violence." (Connoting horror and disgust)
* "The disturbing images of the accident were difficult to forget." (Connoting trauma and lasting negative impact)
Important Note:
While the word "disturbing" is often associated with negative emotions, it can sometimes have a more neutral connotation, meaning simply "causing disruption" or "interrupting." For example, "The disturbing noise from the construction site made it impossible to concentrate."
Therefore, understanding the context is crucial to interpreting the precise connotative meaning of "disturbing."