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

At the same time, Xi is entering the talks with leverage stemming from the ongoing Iran crisis and global energy disruptions. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026

For some, a cycle’s flow can even last more than a week, causing a major disruption to not just the quality of life but also our wallets. —Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 14 May 2026

Every business owner who has navigated a sudden market disruption, an unexpected competitor, a product recall or a crisis of confidence among stakeholders knows this feeling. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026

The economy is struggling, people are frustrated about internet disruptions and frequent Ukrainian attacks against targets deep inside the country are worrying some people. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 14 May 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