disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən 

plural disruptions

: the act or process of disrupting something : a break or interruption in the normal course or continuation of some activity, process, etc.

disruption of sleep

disruptions in service

a process that has continued without disruption

Throughout the history of medicine, health has been seen as a condition of equilibrium and illness as the disruption of a balanced state.

—David Mechanic

By 1925 most countries had recovered from the economic disruptions caused by the Great War of 1914-18.

—John A. Garraty

Synonyms of disruption

• disturbance
• dislocation

Examples of disruption in a Sentence

the flat tire resulted in an unfortunate disruption of the schedule for our road trip

Recent Examples on the Web

Korn Ferry research on leadership and disruption found that nearly 66% of leaders identify agility and flexibility in the face of change as critical leadership traits. — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

In Wednesday's hearing, DHS said that a law established this year helped create a team that would provide resources to patients who experience disruptions in care. — Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Google leader Sundar Pichai has cautioned that no career path is fully protected from AI’s disruption, advising professionals to take matters into their own hands. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 July 2026

There are Americans who rely on them, and the lowest disruption way forward is to create a pathway to staying here while securing our southern border. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disruption

• corruption
• eruption
• irruption
• incorruption
• interruption

Medical Definition

disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən 

: the act or process of breaking apart or rupturing

bandaged her leg tightly to prevent disruption of the partly healed wound

disrupt

dis-ˈrəpt 

transitive verb