disorder

1 of 2

verb

dis·​or·​der (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-dər How to pronounce disorder (audio)
(ˌ)diz-
disordered; disordering; disorders

transitive verb

1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2

noun

1
: lack of order
clothes in disorder
2
: breach of the peace or public order
troubled times marked by social disorders
3
: an abnormal physical or mental condition
a liver disorder
a personality disorder

Examples of disorder in a Sentence

Verb be careful not to disorder the carefully arranged contents of the dresser Noun The mayor is concerned that a rally could create public disorder. problems of crime and social disorder Millions of people suffer from some form of personality disorder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Climate change is so far advanced that its effects will disorder society for generations to come. Richard Sennett, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2020 On a molecular level, sarcomeres—proteins that aid contraction—were shorter and disordered after space exposure, and cells’ mitochondria, responsible for energy production, had become deformed. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
About 571 were charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 164 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 As a result, the puppies produced are often plagued with genetic disorders, leading to chronic health issues that can shorten their lifespan and significantly affect their quality of life. Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disorder 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disorder was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near disorder

Cite this Entry

“Disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disorder. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

disorder

1 of 2 verb
dis·​or·​der (ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər How to pronounce disorder (audio)
1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2 noun
1
: lack of order : a state or condition without order
clothes in disorder
2
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment

Medical Definition

disorder

1 of 2 transitive verb
dis·​or·​der (ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər, (ˈ)diz- How to pronounce disorder (audio)
disordered; disordering -ˈȯrd-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce disorder (audio)
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

disorder

2 of 2 noun
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment
an intestinal disorder
a nervous disorder

More from Merriam-Webster on disorder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!