disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: disrupting or tending to disrupt some process, activity, condition, etc. : causing or tending to cause disruption

a disruptive weather pattern

It is hoped that, if the child learns that disruptive behavior brings no rewards, his tantrums will diminish and perhaps stop.

—Susan Sheehan

In recent years, airlines began to carry plastic handcuffs as a way to restrain disruptive passengers.

—Erik Holm

Other teammates marvel at how easily he morphs from a mild-mannered family man in the locker room into a disruptive force on the field.

—Jefri Chadiha

disruptively adverb

acting disruptively

disruptiveness noun

… the disruptiveness of climatic change will depend strongly on the rate of change.

—Roger Revelle

Examples of disruptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The platform is disruptive and designed to stand out. —Shanna Apitz, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Imposing high tariffs and rewiring supply chains away from China are inherently disruptive. —Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024

She was then handed her numerous nonviolent charges, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024

Schröder is shorter but more disruptive on that end. —Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: characterized by psychologically disorganized behavior

a confused, incoherent, and disruptive patient in the manic phase