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

What starts as a strange observation turns into a surprisingly disruptive discussion about culture and history. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

Assaulting a government employee or official in 2008, as well as being intoxicated and disruptive. —Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 23 Dec. 2025

That disruptive spirit is one of the secrets to Pupa Milano’s longevity, as the brand developed under Micys Company marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025

The number of disruptive passengers on airplanes continues at a pace well above pre-pandemic levels. —Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025

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