disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: disrupting or tending to disrupt some process, activity, condition, etc. : causing or tending to cause disruption

a disruptive weather pattern

It is hoped that, if the child learns that disruptive behavior brings no rewards, his tantrums will diminish and perhaps stop.

—Susan Sheehan

In recent years, airlines began to carry plastic handcuffs as a way to restrain disruptive passengers.

—Erik Holm

Other teammates marvel at how easily he morphs from a mild-mannered family man in the locker room into a disruptive force on the field.

—Jefri Chadiha

disruptively adverb

acting disruptively

disruptiveness noun

… the disruptiveness of climatic change will depend strongly on the rate of change.

—Roger Revelle

Examples of disruptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Read more Minnesota Vikings The Vikings’ defense is disruptive. — Nbc Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

As a result, students who should have been suspended, expelled, or otherwise held accountable for dangerous or disruptive behavior remained in the classroom. — Cory Turner, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Randolph, a four-year varsity player, emerged last season as a disruptive force by blending elite size with mobility, quickness and athleticism. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Cooper was a disruptive force during 11-on-11 work, producing two would-be sacks and a handful of tackles. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disruptive

• eruptive

Medical Definition

disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: characterized by psychologically disorganized behavior

a confused, incoherent, and disruptive patient in the manic phase