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

The drills this year were designed to adapt to North Korea’s evolving capabilities and would incorporate training to counter drones, GPS disruption and cyberattacks, a spokesperson for US Forces Korea said last week. — Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Supporters will have to counter the argument that Hollywood is simply feeling the effects of technological disruption, and does not need a bailout from Washington. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

To a woman experiencing it, these cognitive disruptions can feel like evidence that something fundamental is changing. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026

Since the issue, overnight system testing was done on the system to monitor call deliveries and ensure no additional disruptions were occurring. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 19 Aug. 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