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

• 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

Leaders today are overwhelmed by noise—external expectations, internal doubt, shifting markets, AI disruption, global uncertainty. —Darla Beam, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

The price changes come after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from global manufacturing hubs such as China and Japan, leading to fears of supply chain disruptions and high material costs. —Reuters, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025

Flooding is a disruption tactic that entails inundating one’s cell with toilet water. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025

The disruption created logistical challenges for the district, with families scrambling for child care and teachers rushing to set up virtual lesson plans and class activities. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

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