I already know what the word disturb means, but I do not understand what disturb not means. I’ve seen titles that start with this, like Disturb Not the Dream and Disturb Not the Sleep, etc.

What does disturb not mean? Why does not follow the verb? What does not apply to, the thing it follows or the thing it precedes?


Solution 1:

to disturb OED

To move anything from its settled condition or position; to unsettle.

As in the sense of do not disturb:

  • 1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense / Disturb not their beds..lest the seeds dry.

and

  • 1816 Shelley Alastor / With lightning eyes, and eager breath, and feet Disturbing not the drifted snow.

Disturb not, a much lesser used do not disturb and found in literary writings and prose.