cause a public disturbance
/kɔːz ə ˈpʌblɪk dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
Meaning
To engage in noisy, chaotic, or disruptive behavior in a public space that breaches the peace or annoys and alarms others. In relationships, this often refers to loud, dramatic arguments in public.
Examples
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Their loud argument outside the restaurant threatened to cause a public disturbance, prompting the manager to intervene.
Their loud argument outside the restaurant threatened to cause a public disturbance, prompting the manager to intervene.
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The protesters were warned that blocking the main intersection would cause a public disturbance.
The protesters were warned that blocking the main intersection would cause a public disturbance.
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He was arrested not for his opinions, but because his aggressive behavior began to cause a public disturbance.
He was arrested not for his opinions, but because his aggressive behavior began to cause a public disturbance.
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Couples should resolve their disputes privately rather than causing a public disturbance in a quiet cafe.
Couples should resolve their disputes privately rather than causing a public disturbance in a quiet cafe.
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The unruly fans caused a public disturbance after their team lost the championship match.
The unruly fans caused a public disturbance after their team lost the championship match.
Common Mistakes
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✗ They made a public disturbance in the middle of the street.
✓ They caused a public disturbance in the middle of the street.
The standard collocation is 'cause a disturbance', not 'make a disturbance'.
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✗ The loud couple caused a public disturb.
✓ The loud couple caused a public disturbance.
'Disturb' is a verb. The noun form 'disturbance' must be used here.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you continue to shout in this library, you will ___.
💡 disrupt the peace in a public area
Show answer
cause a public disturbance
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The security guards are authorized to remove anyone who starts to ___.
💡 engage in chaotic or noisy behavior that upsets others
Show answer
cause a public disturbance