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

Goldman noted that disruptions to crude production in the Middle East appear less severe than initially feared. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

While most of Asia is hit hard, China will likely benefit from the fossil fuel disruptions despite being the biggest purchaser of Iranian oil. —Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026

Fuel prices have increased around the world due to disruptions caused by the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026

The dominance of its Aladdin software has raised concerns that any disruption could destabilize the financial system. —Bydebbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 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