Verbo
/tras.torˈnaɾ/
Trastornar refers to the act of disturbing or upsetting the normal state of something, typically leading to a disruption in order or peace. It can be used in various contexts, from emotional disturbances to chaos in a physical environment. The word is commonly used in both spoken and written forms, typically leaning more towards written contexts due to its specificity.
El ruido del tráfico puede trastornar la concentración de los estudiantes.
The noise from the traffic can disturb the concentration of the students.
La noticia del accidente trastornó a toda la comunidad.
The news of the accident upset the entire community.
La mudanza puede trastornar la rutina familiar.
The move can disrupt the family routine.
Trastornar is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, but it does appear in some phrases to convey profound disturbances or chaos.
Estar trastornado de la mente.
To be disturbed in mind.
(Used to describe a state of mental disarray.)
Trastornar el orden establecido.
To upset the established order.
(Refers to causing disruption in a structured environment.)
Trastornar los planes.
To disrupt the plans.
(Indicates that a situation has interfered with previously made plans.)
Su llegada trastornó el ambiente tranquilo de la fiesta.
His arrival disrupted the calm atmosphere of the party.
(This shows how a single occurrence can change the mood of an event.)
The word trastornar comes from the prefix "tras-", meaning "across" or "beyond," combined with "tornar", which means "to turn." Therefore, it can be understood as "to turn something across," indicating a disruption from its normal path or state.