Störande

Störande is a Swedish adjective formed from the verb störa, meaning to disturb or interrupt. As a present participle it describes something that causes disturbance or nuisance and can be used both attributively and predicatively: ett störande ljud (a disturbing noise); ljudet var störande (the noise was disturbing). The sense covers physical disruptions, such as noise or interruptions, as well as social or behavioral effects, for example störande beteende (disruptive behavior).

Etymology and function: störande derives from störa with the participle suffix -nde, aligning with how Swedish formations express ongoing action or a characteristic. It can describe events, objects, or conduct that interrupts concentration, peace, or order.

Usage and nuance: störande is generally neutral to mildly pejorative, depending on context. It is common in education, psychology, and public discourse to refer to disturbances or disruptive conduct, e.g., störande ljud, störande beteende. In some contexts it can be substituted with irriterande (annoying), though störande emphasizes disruption or disturbance rather than mere irritation.

Examples: Ljudet var störande under föreläsningen. Han uppträdde på ett störande sätt. För att minska störande beteende i skolan används tydliga regler och positiv förstärkning.