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

This plan helped ensure a seamless transition and minimized disruptions to the business. —Craig West, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

However, two new studies suggest that mattresses firm enough for a child to sleep on safely may emit toxic chemicals that previous research indicates are linked to developmental delays and endocrine system disruptions. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 Apr. 2025

Trump risks his approval rating falling the longer markets appear destabilized, US economic growth forecasts appear threatened, and the US dollar's dominance in global trade risks disruption. —ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025

Despite resistance from some industry groups warning of supply chain disruptions, the FDA's decision aligns the U.S. with international standards. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 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