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

Its ad-blocking tools remove banners, pop-ups, video ads, and other disruptive advertising. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

Some residents near SpaceX’s Starbase launch facilities at Texas’ southernmost tip have long expressed worries about disruptive sonic booms — which can be as loud as gunshots and may cause minor damage to buildings. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

For example, when menopause begins, as well as how disruptive its symptoms are, can vary greatly. — Audrey Hendricks, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

His performance, combined with the stellar play of Deejay Holmes and Elisha Baldrige, gives FIU one of the most disruptive defensive lines in Conference USA. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 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