disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: disrupting or tending to disrupt some process, activity, condition, etc. : causing or tending to cause disruption

a disruptive weather pattern

It is hoped that, if the child learns that disruptive behavior brings no rewards, his tantrums will diminish and perhaps stop.

—Susan Sheehan

In recent years, airlines began to carry plastic handcuffs as a way to restrain disruptive passengers.

—Erik Holm

Other teammates marvel at how easily he morphs from a mild-mannered family man in the locker room into a disruptive force on the field.

—Jefri Chadiha

disruptively adverb

acting disruptively

disruptiveness noun

… the disruptiveness of climatic change will depend strongly on the rate of change.

—Roger Revelle

Examples of disruptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Managing the disruptive effects of their further coordination and preventing the axis from upsetting the global system must now be central objectives of U.S. foreign policy. —Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

When presented with a disruptive concept like the Unity ticket, the parties saw a threat and held their leaders back. —L. Roger Hutson, The Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2024

The 6-3, 270-pound redshirt freshman has been explosive and disruptive this spring, Chinander said. —Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2024

But after years of disruptive and sometimes destructive protesters often getting a slap-on-the-wrist treatment in the courts, his comments reflect growing calls for tougher consequences from the public and legislators. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024

Erica Dorsey agreed that her son's shooting was disruptive in multiple ways, and despite his progress, the ripples continue to be felt. —Stephanie Colombini, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024

Roads are this incredibly disruptive force all over the planet that are truly changing wild animals’ lives and our own lives in almost unfathomable, unaccountable ways. —Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

Adapting to disruptive events has become a major part of business over the past few years, from dealing with the onset of the COVID pandemic, to the rise of remote work, and an ever-turbulent labor market. —Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

Harrower was charged July 6, 2023, with four misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: characterized by psychologically disorganized behavior

a confused, incoherent, and disruptive patient in the manic phase