Disruption — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /dis-ˈrəp-shən/ dis·rup·tion

Meaning & Definition of Disruption

Disruption (noun)

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

Disruption (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed

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

    similar: derangement, dislocation, disturbance, upset
    related: convulsion, revolution, unsettledness, unsettlement, upheaval

Related Entry: Disrupt (verb)

Disrupt is a different word from Disruption. The synonyms below are for disrupt, not for disruption.

  1. to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly

    "an earthquake that had disrupted the elevated highway in several places"

    similar: break, break up, bust, disintegrate, dismember, fracture, fragment, rive
    related: atomize, crush, grind, powder, pulverize, reduce, blast, blow up, burst, detonate, explode, crack, pop, shatter, shiver, smash, chip, sliver, splinter, split, implode, destroy, ruin, wreck
    near: doctor, fix, heal, mend, patch, rebuild, recondition, reconstruct, renovate, repair

  2. to undo the proper order or arrangement of

    "the arrival of a baby in the household would totally disrupt their established routine"

    similar: confuse, derange, disarrange, disarray, discompose, dishevel, disjoint, dislocate, disorder, disorganize, disturb, hash, jumble, mess (up), mix (up), muddle, muss, rumple, scramble, shuffle, tousle, tumble, upset
    related: embroil, entangle, snarl, tangle, agitate, perturb, stir (up), unsettle, clutter
    opposite: arrange, array, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, regulate, straighten (up), tidy
    near: align, line, line up, queue, classify, codify, methodize, systematize, systemize, adjust, fix, groom, make up, spruce (up), unscramble

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Disruption

The most common words with a similar meaning to Disruption:

derangement, dislocation, disturbance, upset

Related Words for Disruption

convulsion, revolution, unsettledness, unsettlement, upheaval

Word Forms of Disruption

Inflections: disruptions

Origin & Etymology of Disruption

First known use: 1622

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Disruption

Frequently Asked Questions about Disruption

What does "Disruption" mean?

"Disruption" means the act or process of disrupting something, a break or interruption in the normal course or continuation of some activity, process, etc.. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or process of disrupting something, a break or interruption in the normal course or continuation of some activity, process, etc..

What is another word for "Disruption"?

Other words for "Disruption" include derangement, dislocation, disturbance and upset. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Disruption" you intend.

How do you use "Disruption" in a sentence?

Examples of "Disruption" in a sentence: "the flat tire resulted in an unfortunate disruption of the schedule for our road trip".

Is "Disruption" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Disruption" is a noun.

Is "Disruption" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Disruption" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Disruption"?

"Disruption" is pronounced /dis-ˈrəp-shən/ and divided into syllables as dis·rup·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Disruption"?

First known use: 1622.

What is another word for "Disruption" meaning "an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed"?

When "Disruption" (noun) means an act or instance of the order of things being disturbed, synonyms include derangement, dislocation, disturbance and upset.