disruption

American  

[dis-ruhp-shuhn] / dɪsˈrʌp ʃən /

noun

disruptions plural

1. forcible separation or division into parts.

2. a disrupted condition.

   After the coup, the country was in disruption.

3. Business. a radical change in an industry, business strategy, etc., especially involving the introduction of a new product or service that creates a new market.

   Globalization and the rapid advance of technology are major causes of business disruption.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• predisruption
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• disruptions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of disruption

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin disruptiōn-, stem of disruptiō; equivalent to disrupt + -ion

Explanation

A disruption is a major disturbance, something that changes your plans or interrupts some event or process. A screaming child on an airplane can be a disruption of the passengers' sleep. A break in the action, especially an unplanned and confusing one, is a disruption. A sudden thunderstorm is an unwelcome disruption of an outdoor wedding ceremony, and a flat tire on an elaborate float will probably cause a parade disruption. When you disrupt something, you upset it or mess it up. In Latin disrupt means "broken into pieces," from dis, "apart," and rumpere, "to break."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

disruption disruptions

So “even if domestic supply remains sufficient, any sustained disruption to flows through the Strait of Hormuz would push Brent and WTI benchmarks higher, increasing fuel costs worldwide,” Abuagla said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

"Oil prices are pulling back after Wednesday's sharp rally, indicating that markets still expect diplomacy to ultimately prevail and that any disruption to global energy supplies is likely to be limited."

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

“I understand the uncertainty, the frustration, and the disruption that it’s caused, and I am sorry.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

Transport for Wales has said a speed restriction is in place due to high track temperatures between Aberdare and Fernhill in South Wales, with disruption expected until 21:30.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

“Yesterday we had a situation at the teatime fashion parade. One of our models arrived late and thus caused a great disruption in the presentation.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

“Investors have largely assumed the latest Middle East flare-up will remain contained and shipping disruptions manageable. That assumption has held remarkably well considering recent attacks,” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 12, 2026

These effects were associated with abnormal patterns of brain activity, suggesting that memory problems in dementia may result not only from memories being lost, but also from disruptions in how memories are organized and accessed.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

Knott’s Berry Farm has had teen-related disruptions before.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2026

Both main crude contracts edged up slightly Friday, having dropped around two percent the day before, with analysts pointing out that more oil is produced outside the Gulf region, tempering the impact of disruptions.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

If nothing else, I’ll need lots of disruptions to be sure I can get Oak out of there.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• confusion
• disorder
• disturbance