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

While snow and ice can be disruptive on their own, a prolonged exposure to cold can amplify the risk, increasing the odds of hypothermia and frostbite, straining shelters and hospitals and turning routine repairs into high-stakes operations. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Administrators also claimed in letters that the students were disruptive and created fear for those inside the building. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026

But on my worst days, pain, bloating and other issues can be more than a little disruptive to my daily routine. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

Hot flashes and night sweats — often referred to as vasomotor symptoms — can range from mildly bothersome to significantly disruptive. —Rachel Murray, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 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