disorder

1 of 2

verb

dis·​or·​der (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-dər How to pronounce disorder (audio)
(ˌ)diz-
disordered; disordering; disorders

transitive verb

1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2

noun

1
: lack of order
clothes in disorder
2
: breach of the peace or public order
troubled times marked by social disorders
3
: an abnormal physical or mental condition
a liver disorder
a personality disorder

Examples of disorder in a Sentence

Verb be careful not to disorder the carefully arranged contents of the dresser Noun The mayor is concerned that a rally could create public disorder. problems of crime and social disorder Millions of people suffer from some form of personality disorder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Lovato, whose Disney Channel stardom catapulted her to fame at a young age, has been candid about her struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and disordered eating. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 June 2025 The memories that form the main stream of Night are indeed disordered temporally. Jane Alison june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
Noun
In a world where ordinary systems wind down toward greater disorder (the second law of thermodynamics), Ilya Prigogine was taken by the question of how life keeps winding up. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Research suggests figs may be a supportive fruit for digestive health, blood sugar maintenance, bone disorders, cancer protection, and more. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disorder

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disorder was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disorder. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

disorder

1 of 2 verb
dis·​or·​der (ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər How to pronounce disorder (audio)
1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2 noun
1
: lack of order : a state or condition without order
clothes in disorder
2
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment

Medical Definition

disorder

1 of 2 transitive verb
dis·​or·​der (ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər, (ˈ)diz- How to pronounce disorder (audio)
disordered; disordering -ˈȯrd-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce disorder (audio)
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2 noun
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment
an intestinal disorder
a nervous disorder

More from Merriam-Webster on disorder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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