disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən 

plural disruptions

: the act or process of disrupting something : a break or interruption in the normal course or continuation of some activity, process, etc.

disruption of sleep

disruptions in service

a process that has continued without disruption

Throughout the history of medicine, health has been seen as a condition of equilibrium and illness as the disruption of a balanced state.

—David Mechanic

By 1925 most countries had recovered from the economic disruptions caused by the Great War of 1914-18.

—John A. Garraty

Synonyms

• derangement
• dislocation
• disturbance
• upset

Examples of disruption in a Sentence

the flat tire resulted in an unfortunate disruption of the schedule for our road trip

Recent Examples on the Web

Public health epidemics, cybersecurity attacks, economic fluctuations, market disruptions, and other unforeseen challenges can greatly impact a business. —John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

All of the disruptions have pointed in the same predictable direction: Toward media coverage that supports rather than scrutinizes the administration’s agenda. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

While some industry experts believe car sales will persevere, others warn of production disruptions, price increases and potential layoffs if tariffs persist. —Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025

The administration has increasingly signaled that the American people should expect some economic disruptions in the near term. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disruption

• corruption
• eruption
• irruption
• incorruption
• interruption

Medical Definition

disruption

noun

dis·​rup·​tion dis-ˈrəp-shən 

: the act or process of breaking apart or rupturing

bandaged her leg tightly to prevent disruption of the partly healed wound

disrupt

dis-ˈrəpt 

transitive verb