disorder

[ dis-awr-der ]

noun

1. lack of order or regular arrangement; confusion:

   Your room is in utter disorder.

   Synonyms: disorderliness, clutter, litter, jumble, disarray

2. an irregularity:

   a disorder in legal proceedings.

3. breach of order; disorderly conduct; public disturbance.

   Synonyms: turbulence, riot

4. a disturbance in physical or mental health or functions; malady or dysfunction:

   a mild stomach disorder.

   Synonyms: indisposition, sickness, complaint, illness, malady, ailment

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy the order or regular arrangement of; disarrange.

   Synonyms: disorganize, disarray

2. to derange the physical or mental health or functions of.

   Synonyms: confuse, upset, disturb

disorder

/ dɪsˈɔːdə /

noun

1. a lack of order; disarray; confusion
2. a disturbance of public order or peace
3. an upset of health; ailment
4. a deviation from the normal system or order

verb

1. to upset the order of; disarrange; muddle
2. to disturb the health or mind of

Other Words From

• predis·order noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disorder¹

First recorded in 1470–80; dis- ¹ + order

Synonym Study

Disorder, brawl, disturbance, uproar are disruptions or interruptions of a peaceful situation. Disorder refers to civil unrest or to any scene in which there is confusion or fighting: The police went to the scene of the disorder. A brawl is a noisy, unseemly quarrel, usually in a public place: a tavern brawl. A disturbance is disorder of a size as to inconvenience people: to cause a disturbance. An uproar is a tumult, a bustle and clamor of many voices, often because of a disturbance: a mighty uproar.

Example Sentences

While these symptoms do not constitute a disorder diagnosed as psychosis, they can still be disruptive, distressing or detrimental to functional capacity.

From Science Daily

"My sister, three years younger than me, has suffered from panic disorder for many years. She continues to inspire my research questions and my dedication to answering them."

From Science Daily

Common risks for adults with cerebral palsy can include the early onset of secondary conditions such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes and psychiatric disorders.

From Science Daily

But the sense of disorder created by open drug use and street camping has prompted an increasing number of cities to crack down on homeless people with more laws that allow removing and arresting them.

From Los Angeles Times

Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder best known for causing tremors, stiffness, slow movement and poor balance, also causes cognitive symptoms that can progress to Parkinson's dementia.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• chaos
• complication
• disturbance
• lawlessness
• trouble
• unrest