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

Today, between the economic, technological and geopolitical disruptions over the last few years, even three-month plans may require constant adjustment. —Laureen Knudsen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

The storms are causing significant travel disruptions. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 1 July 2025

Advertisement Not all foods, of course, are linked to nightmares and sleep disruption, and some may even support better sleep. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 1 July 2025

But energy prices have since tumbled as Israel and Iran reached a ceasefire, reducing the risk of a disastrous disruption in the flow of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 1 July 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