disturbing
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disturbing
A quality of something that triggers strong negative feelings such as unease, shock, fear, or emotional unrest and deeply unsettles someone.
Die Nachrichten zeigten verstörende Bilder aus dem Kriegsgebiet.
The news showed disturbing images from the war zone.
'Verstörend' (disturbing) is the present participle of the verb 'verstören' (to disturb/unsettle). The verb consists of the prefix 'ver-' and 'stören' (to disturb). The prefix intensifies the meaning and describes a deep inner disturbance.
Der Anblick der Unfallstelle hat mich tief verstört.
The sight of the accident scene deeply disturbed me.
As an adjective, 'verstörend' (disturbing) describes something that actively has an unsettling effect on a person. The ending '-end' signals this active process.
Die plötzliche Stille in dem großen Haus war verstörend.
The sudden silence in the large house was disturbing.
The adjective is often used to describe media content, art, or experiences. Typical combinations are 'verstörende Bilder' (disturbing images), 'ein verstörender Film' (a disturbing film), 'eine verstörende Nachricht' (a disturbing piece of news), or 'eine verstörende Erfahrung' (a disturbing experience).
Viele Zuschauer fanden die letzte Szene des Films verstörend.
Many viewers found the final scene of the film disturbing.
'Verstörend' (disturbing) can appear before a noun (attributive), after a verb such as 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to seem/appear) (predicative), or as an adverb.
Das ist eine verstörende Entwicklung.
That is a disturbing development.
frightening
Both words describe something that triggers strong negative feelings. „Erschreckend“ focuses mainly on the fright caused at a particular moment, while „verstörend“ points more strongly to lasting inner unease and emotional distress. Use „erschreckend“ for the fright caused and „verstörend“ for an impact that lasts longer.
Die verstörenden Bilder von dem Unfall gingen den Anwohnern noch lange nach.
The disturbing images of the accident stayed with the residents for a long time.
Der laute Knall auf der Straße war für die Anwohner erschreckend.
The loud bang in the street was frightening for the residents.
