disrupt

[ dis-ruhpt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause disorder or turmoil in:

   The news disrupted their conference.

2. to destroy, usually temporarily, the normal continuance or unity of; interrupt:

   Telephone service was disrupted for hours.

3. to break apart:

   to disrupt a connection.

4. Business. to radically change (an industry, business strategy, etc.), as by introducing a new product or service that creates a new market:

   It’s time to disrupt your old business model.

adjective

1. broken apart; disrupted.

disrupt

/ dɪsˈrʌpt /

verb

1. tr to throw into turmoil or disorder
2. tr to interrupt the progress of (a movement, meeting, etc)
3. to break or split (something) apart

Derived Forms

• disˈruption, noun
• disˈrupter, noun

Other Words From

• dis·rupter dis·ruptor noun
• nondis·rupting adjective
• nondis·rupting·ly adverb
• undis·rupted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disrupt¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin disruptus, variant of dīruptus “broken apart,” past participle of dīrumpere “to break apart,” from dī- di- ² + rumpere “to break”

Word History and Origins

Origin of disrupt¹

C17: from Latin disruptus burst asunder, from dīrumpere to dash to pieces, from dis- ¹+ rumpere to burst

Example Sentences

If strung vertically, along the length of the fake seal’s body, the lights don’t do enough to disrupt the silhouette visible from below.

From Los Angeles Times

Previous researchers have tried using devices that emit electromagnetic fields to disrupt sharks’ electroreceptors.

From Los Angeles Times

The company’s actions seemed intended to disrupt the union drive, he said, noting that some engineers living near the West Hollywood office, for example, were told they had to move to Chicago.

From Los Angeles Times

A drive to expel every undocumented immigrant would deprive California of more than 7% of its workforce, potentially cripple agriculture and construction, divide families and disrupt communities.

From Los Angeles Times

He also adds, "It would give Kamala Harris the chance to be the 47th president of the United States of America. It would disrupt all of Donald Trump's paraphernalia. Right? He would have to rebrand everything. And it would make it much easier for the next woman to run for president and to not have to worry about historical weight of being the first."

From Salon

Related Words

• breach
• break into
• obstruct