1
as in to break
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
an earthquake that had disrupted the elevated highway in several places
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2
as in to disturb
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
the arrival of a baby in the household would totally disrupt their established routine
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of disrupt
The noise disrupts a dog's sensitive hearing, and their instinctive reaction is often to bark, hide, or flee.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Sleep Disturbances Fluid retention and high blood pressure caused by a high-sodium meal can disrupt sleep in different ways.
—James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024
The Destroyers are the more controversial picks — wired to disrupt existing institutions, and acting on smoldering grievances against the organizations they've been picked to lead.
—Axios, 16 Dec. 2024
With the release of the PlayStation in 1994, Sony disrupted the arcade and gaming industry.
—John Towfighi, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for disrupt 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Sleep Disturbances Fluid retention and high blood pressure caused by a high-sodium meal can disrupt sleep in different ways.
—James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024
The Destroyers are the more controversial picks — wired to disrupt existing institutions, and acting on smoldering grievances against the organizations they've been picked to lead.
—Axios, 16 Dec. 2024
With the release of the PlayStation in 1994, Sony disrupted the arcade and gaming industry.
—John Towfighi, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for disrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disrupt
Verb
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Kardashian most recently made headlines after attending the opening of SKIMS on 5th Avenue in New York City on Thursday, December 12 on a scooter after breaking her foot.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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Brian says Evan’s death broke Sam, who was in the med tent with a knee injury the night of the attack.Sara Netzley, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Warmer waters as a result of climate change and krill harvesting could be disturbing traditional humpback feeding grounds, forcing whales to go farther and farther to find food.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
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One was arrested on suspicion of battery on a police officer and disturbing the public’s business, LAPD Sgt.David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The media landscape has fractured since then, with the rise of streaming services scrambling the old ways of doing business.Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
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Terance Mann, who fractured the middle finger on his left hand in Tuesday’s game, will have surgery Thursday and will miss at least three weeks.Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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These tools blur the line between reality and fiction, which can confuse audiences, especially younger viewers.Gerui Wang, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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However, her version is not to be confused with the film’s official soundtrack.Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Meanwhile, almost 20 American naval vessels and more than 300 airplanes were destroyed or damaged.Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
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He is then seen waving the baton, destroying property and throwing items at police, according to his criminal complaint.Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In other words, the 2023 offseason was the Celtics' last real shot to shuffle their supporting cast around Brown and Tatum.Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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In addition, both received the Order of the British Empire in different years (2003 and 2017, respectively), and some tabloid media are shuffling the possibility of their knighthood.Nuria Luis, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Surgery can benefit from real-time AI explanations and XR visualizations to reduce patient anxiety, while oncology can simplify complex treatment plans for better decision making.Alon Zuckerman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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Westmore Beauty’s 60-Second Eye Effects Gel Duo promises to instantly reduce the appearance of signs of aging around your eyes.Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Witnesses who participated in a walkthrough of the area days before the assassination attempt called it disorganized.Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2024
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That's how a lot of spaces end up staying disorganized.Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Disrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disrupt. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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