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trouble

Syllabification: (trou·ble)
Pronunciation: /ˈtrəbəl/

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Definition of trouble

noun

  • 1difficulty or problems:I had trouble finding somewhere to park friends should support each other when they are in trouble the government’s policies ran into trouble our troubles are just beginning
  • the malfunction of something such as a machine or a part of the body:their helicopter developed engine trouble
  • effort or exertion made to do something, especially when inconvenient:I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble he’s gone to a lot of trouble to help you
  • a cause of worry or inconvenience:the kid had been no trouble up to now
  • a particular aspect or quality of something regarded as unsatisfactory or as a source of difficulty:that’s the trouble with capitalism
  • a situation in which one is liable to incur punishment or blame:he’s been in trouble with the police
  • informal dated used to refer to the condition of a pregnant unmarried woman:she’s not the first girl who’s gotten herself into trouble
  • 2public unrest or disorder:the cops are preparing for trouble by bringing in tear gas

verb

[with object]
  • 1cause distress or anxiety to:he was not troubled by doubts
  • [no object] (trouble about/over/with) be distressed or anxious about:there is nothing you need trouble about
  • cause (someone) pain:my legs started to trouble me
  • cause (someone) inconvenience (typically used as a polite way of asking someone to do or provide something):sorry to trouble you could I trouble you for a receipt?
  • [no object] make the effort required to do something:oh, don’t trouble to answer

Phrases

ask for trouble

informal act in a way that is likely to incur problems or difficulties:hitching a lift is asking for trouble

look for trouble

informal behave in a way that is likely to provoke an argument or fight:youths take a cocktail of drink and drugs before going out to look for trouble

trouble and strife

British rhyming slang wife.

a trouble shared is a trouble halved

proverb talking to someone else about one’s problems helps to alleviate them.

Derivatives

troubler

Pronunciation: /-b(ə)lər/

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French truble (noun), trubler (verb), based on Latin turbidus (see turbid)

trouble in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of trouble in the British & World English dictionary